Mindsets and Moves: Strategies That Help Readers Take Charge [Grades K-8]

by Gravity Goldberg

Step back so readers can step forward When it comes to teaching reading, Gravity Goldberg declares there is a structure, one that works with your current curriculum, to help readers take charge. The way forward Gravity says lies in admiring, studying, and really getting to know your students. Easily replicable in any setting, any time, her 4 Ms framework ultimately lightens your load because it allows students to monitor and direct their reading lives.  

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Professional Development

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 2015

Reviews

[Briana Cleveland · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are currently using readers workshop as your literacy framework, but are finding that students are not transferring the strategies taught in minilessons, small groups, and conferences into their independent reading, then this is the book for you! Goldberg outlines specific strategies for moving students from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset regarding their reading lives. Once students' mindsets have changed, they will truly "own" their reading work, and as a result, will actually use the strategies you've taught.

Goldberg also offers specific strategies for teachers to shift their thinking about teaching reading so that we can set students up for this work. Teachers AND students will need to have a growth mindset for this work to be successful.

[Elisa Waingort · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It gave me new ideas to try out in the classroom and new ways of thinking about kids and what they do in the classroom. Although I didn't agree with everything in the book, I was able to take away what could work for me in the classroom. I particularly liked the focus on helping students develop a growth mindset about themselves as readers. I appreciated the concept of taking an admiring stance about what students know and are able to do - a strengths based model - as a way to teach kids the next thing they need or want to learn. Definitely recommend it.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the perspective the author gave on things. The QR codes that are included had interesting videos to show the teacher in action. This is one I marked up a lot of parts and fully intend to use some of it in my classroom.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindsets and Moves brings into focus how to help readers take charge of their own reading practices. The chapter on being a mirror (providing feedback) was specifically helpful and connected with coaching training I’ve had.

A must read!

[Tmanning · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some very clear, very useful information. I will be using this book right away in my teaching!

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! I was inspired to enter another year with fresh approaches to reading. I will recommend this book to my colleagues.

[Jillian Saufroy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Classroom transformation worthy!

[Audreykfriel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where do you find a book that has its inspirational message embedded into every part of the lesson and the learning? Gravity Goldberg has that gift. She is inspirational while not confrontational. Her advice is practical while still validating everyone she encounters including staff and students. That is a rare combination.

Growing ones mindset from what should we be teaching to what can we be teaching is the key. This book has your answers in its instructions to admire, the 4 "m's" (miners, mirrors, models, mentors), and "I go, we go, you go," model of ownership. And there's so much more! To admire oneself as both a reader and teacher of reading is how to begin. Using a growth mindset rather than a fixed mindset allows for exponential personalized growth.

Gravity also illustrates what the possible pitfalls to watch for may look like/sound like. The model charts and student work bring her ideas to life.

The book is appealing in layout, user friendly, and has great take-away appendices. I'm looking forward to infusing these practices into my daily classroom workshops! Sharing this book with our administrators and colleagues is imperative!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend this book! Gravity Goldberg offers practical steps and guidance on how to get to know your students as readers, while building relationships and fostering their ownership of their reading process. With access to so much assessment data, it is easy to overlook the most powerful formative assessment information we can gather is carefully observing and talking with students about their reading.

[Jean · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that is very helpful to teachers who want to encourage a growth mindset in their students and also help their students become truly independent readers. Very easy to read and great suggestions that can be implemented quickly and effectively into the classroom.

[Cindy Wise · Rating 4 out of 5]

good for teachers who go writer and readers workshop in their rooms. understanding how to do a conference well is the focus of this book.

[April Connelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are a teacher read this book! The thinking and learning in this book will push even the best teachers!

[Julie Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been reading this book ALL YEAR long, and finally finished. This book is a great mix of the inspirational and the practical. I have several ideas Im ready to implement immediately.