The Power of Our Words: Teacher Language That Helps Children Learn

by Paula Denton

This edition of “The Power of Our Words” is now out of print. The 2nd edition was published in 2013 (ISBN 9781892989598)

Thoughtful use of language is an often-overlooked component of the teacher's repertoire. However, the words, phrases, tone, and pace used daily in the classroom have the power to help students develop self-control, build their sense of belonging, and gain skills and knowledge.

In this warm and thought-provoking guide, Paula Denton offers practical tips, real-life anecdotes, and concrete examples, including specific suggestions about language to adopt and language to avoid. Topics include:
using language to help children envision success;
open-ended questions that stretch children's thinking;
listening and using silence skillfully;
the 3 Rs of teaching language: reinforcing, reminding, and redirecting;
saying what you mean and meaning what you say
giving brief, concrete instructions
offering meaningful, specific encouragement

The Power of Our Words advocates a sensible approach to teacher language that is backed by research and prove through decades of successful practice in elementary classrooms nationwide. It offers ideas beginners can try immediately and a wealth of guidance and support for those already engaged in the process of rethinking their practice.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Professional Development, Nonfiction, School, Parenting, Adult

172 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2007

Reviews

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many staff at my school have read “Choice Words” by Peter H. Johnston, and it has made a difference in how they talk to students. One teacher recommended Denton’s book to our principal, who suggested it to me. She felt is was more practical and easier to read than “Choice Words.”
I found many phrases that I’ve used, and now want to adjust (such as keeping behavioral explanations short and simple) I found phrases that I’ve heard other teachers use that make me cringe (“I love how Matt is ready to read.). I found phrases I want to share with my library staff to help us present a solid, engaging and consistent message that students are capable, can learn to think about and change their own behavior, and can develop an intrinsic desire to learn. I created a summary of the chapters that I will use with my staff to identify areas they want to work on. The majority of the language is appropriate in any subject and for any grades. It was very easy for me to adapt some of the language to use in our library.
Each chapter is focused on one aspect: open-ended questions, listening, and language that reinforces, reminds, and redirects. Concrete examples of what to say and what not to say are given. The appendix is particularly useful as a summary and quick reference guide, which I will also share with my staff.

[Keeley · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of practical advice on effective methods of speaking to students. Much of the advice was familiar from my training as a college educator, parenting literature, and even my marketing career. But some of the advice, especially for redirecting behavior issues in young children, was quite different and perceptive. I will look forward to trying it out.

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book helped me prepare for the new academic school year, and it really reminded me of ways to set up the classroom and procedures so that students felt welcomed, in control, and respected.

[Riane Kandia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read for any teacher! It really does come down to the way we use our words and this book gives great ways to implement it in our everyday lives as teachers.

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent read for educators at all grade levels and stages of their careers, and it highlights an important, yet often overlooked, tool teachers use most often in the classroom: our words and language. I can't recommend this book highly enough to fellow educators; author Denton really makes you think about how your words and tone of voice impact your students. This may seem like a 'common sense' sort of topic, but in reading this short, accessible book, you realize that language is an essential tool of teaching and one that really takes skill and practice to use effectively. I especially liked that Denton included a whole chapter on effective listening, which I think is often left out of the teaching equation when we get wrapped up in how much curriculum we have to cover, etc. This is a quick and worthwhile read for all educators, especially those in the classroom. Highly recommend it.

[Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Many valid points made on teacher language, although the disregard for modeling common courtesy is concerning. Clearly needs to be read in conjunction with other responsive classroom texts. Lacks strong connection to clear research based practices within the text. Reads like one tea her's opinion as opposed to an authoritative text. Does offer a plethora of examples for how to tweak teacher language to meet the best practices offered in the text. Overall, a book with good value that should be embraced for its strengths while finding outside resources to compensate for its weaknesses.

[Ryan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book, the way the chapters are broken down and thoughtfully written gives a lot to take in to the classroom. I hope to work on these things and continue to use this book as reference in the classroom and a way to approach students in a professional and respectful manner. Great book! My only wonder is how this book will adapt to students with oppositional students. Overall I appreciate way of communication that is direct and simple for students so they do not get lost in translation.

[Jennifer Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though this is written specifically for teachers, similar strategies and language can be used in the home by parents with great success. This is a quick and powerful read and a regular reference for me. It explains how subtle changes in our language can teach social and emotional skills and promote positive behaviors.

[zippy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick and easy read! It offers a lot of food for thought and I think it's the sort of book that you could read multiple times. I really appreciated the concrete examples given throughout the book for each of the strategies. Even though I did not agree with it 100% at times, there were a lot of good suggestions overall and I will definitely try to incorporate some of it into my practice.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cannot recommend this book more highly for anyone and everyone who deals with children, or actually any people at all.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely geared toward elementary teachers—because of that, I disagreed with some of her statements, but soon realized that I wasn’t necessarily in her audience (for example, I think moments of informality can be appropriate with older students depending on the situation), so I didn’t want to lower the rating for that. Regardless, the founding principles of her advice, and most of her tips, are priceless. I will be adding some tips to my desk reminder sheet for things I want to work on this year, specifically listening rather than telling, and being direct and saying what I mean (i.e. not faking an open-ended question when I really am looking for a specific answer). Loved it! Illinois Teacher of the Year 2018 recommended it and I’m thankful.

[Pramodh Nanjayya · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author's recommendation is to use certain style of communication which is all inclusive than divisive in a class room.
Some of the tips,
Don't generalize the bad behavior, isolate it and give a feedback on specific instance.
Generalize the good behavior
In a group, don't pit one against the other
While acknowledging something don't include yourself, just make statements. So, kids will not look for your validation.
Be succinct in giving directions, rather than giving a long winded ones.

[Riki Kellogg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great at outlining and giving examples of best practices when dealing with large groups of children with diverse needs. “The Power of OurWords” is straight forward with interesting ways to use open-ended questions to get students to think beyond the “standard” answer to a question about what they are learning. Additionally, this book gives you techniques to harness in children that might need a nudge with behavioral problems without embarrassing them by calling them out in the middle of class. I would definitely recommend this book for all teachers!

[Tandava Graham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even just chapter 1 could be a goldmine of guidelines to work on as a teacher, but the rest of the book fleshes out lots of different categories of verbal communication and gives tons of specific examples. (There’s even an appendix providing quick access to onlythe example phrases and conversations, for easy reference.) Some of it feels natural and obvious to me, and some of it I can tell will take some practice to retrain my habits. But the power and benefit of doing so comes across very clearly.

[LPR · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good. Made me think but also definitely got in my head so I got in my own way a lot. Gave me a lot of fuel for my reflections though. The distinction between redirecting and reminding is particularly helpful.
What I don't know if I'll _ever_ be able to kick is the habit of using the royal we (accused by this book of being baby talk?) but to be fair I also use that in my personal life for literally no known reason.
Would love to return to once I have my feet more under me as a teacher in order to reflect and improve.

[Nina D · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to dismiss as simplistic or hokey upon first glance, however, once you get into it, it's filled with practical, easy to understand and highly valuable advice for managing your classroom. In fact, I find the advice applies to any situation in which you may be managing people of all ages (though the examples may need a little tweaking to fit older audiences.) Highly recommended for any new teacher, caretaker, or even manager!

[Yulia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The district where I teach uses Responsive Classroom. All the teachers attend a four day workshop to learn this method. It took a bit of convincing, but I'm sold. The methodology applies not only in general classrooms but specials settings as well. There is a specialized RC book just for us art, PE and music teachers as well. Of all the texts available from RC, this one is the backbone. It is concise, effective and provided a great book club read for the educators at my school last year.

[Ky Orvis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Though a little dry and difficult to get through, there's an enormous amount of valuable information for teachers regarding language. Not only do the authors touch on almost every aspect of interacting with students, there are plenty of examples, as well. A must read for any teacher. It's worth noting that it's intended for early education, but would easily translate to be used in secondary education, too.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Simple changes in a teacher's language can lead to significant improvements in students and classrooms." Using precise language and an appropriate tone increases student engagement, fosters a positive community, and enables teachers to manage their classrooms more effectively. There are numerous ways teachers can support student growth and encourage them to envision their success. I highly recommend this book to all teachers."

[Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this as part of a book study for school. If you're a teacher or in any position where you're working with children the information is extremely beneficial. However, anyone good at this position should already be using the language/strategies explained in this book. This would be a perfect text for college students prior to starting their student teaching experience.

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book back in undergrad and revisited it for a possible book study I'm leading in the fall. Immediately remembered why it's so fantastic. It describes clearly how the use of language that honors students helps us connect. Other books about trends in the education world are probably more popular and buzz-wordy right now, but I think this book is waaaaaay more valuable.

[Jeff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Power of Our Word is a practical guide for every elementary school teacher on how our language functions in the classroom. With short clear explanations with lots of illustrative examples of how teachers can and should control their language, Denton provides a valuable resource that belongs on the shelf and in the hands of every teacher.

[Eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is great! Like others have said, it is common sense, but I need reminders once in awhile. I'm no longer teaching, but have two girls and the methods are just as good as a parent. I think it's a must read for all teachers!

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Got this book at my responsive classroom training a few years ago and skimmed it before the school year started. Picked it up for a refresher before this year starts. I love that the author provides sample wording for different scenarios.

[Amy Calkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one is to reread every year. Excellent teaching tool.

[Sheree Lavender · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a good read. Remind us of the importance of words.

[Book Buying With Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

So practical. I already can see its impact on my teaching.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm excited to use the techniques from this book to improve my teaching!

[MaKayla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an informative book! I would read it again.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars