Leading Literate Lives: Habits and Mindsets for Reimagining Classroom Practice

by Stephanie Affinito

What stories make you who you are? How have your experiences shaped you as a learner? Who are you as a reader and writer? Exploring your history as a learner can help you reflect on your teaching practices and make instructional decisions that positively impact student learning. In Leading Literate Lives , Stephanie outlines a framework for reading and writing that makes a direct connection between reflection and classroom practice. In each chapter you will find concrete ideas, tools, and activities for reading and writing to help move you from teacher reflection to instruction. For every specific reflection Stephanie will show you how to put the same idea into practice in your classroom, with the goal of helping you and your Fueled with the understandings that come from leading a literate life, you can learn to embrace reflective practices that bring greater intention and joy to your classrooms and schools.

Genres: Teaching

184 pages, Paperback

Published March 29, 2021

About the author

Stephanie Affinito, the passionate advocate for the transformative power of books and writing, invites us into the enchanting world of A Lit Life. Through her blog, podcast, and coaching endeavors, Stephanie delves into the profound impact of literature on our lives, weaving together stories of personal growth, healing, and empowerment. Her journey from a childhood immersed in books to navigating through life’s challenges with the solace of literature showcases the profound influence of reading and writing on our well-being. Join us as we explore Stephanie’s inspiring vision for A Lit Life and her commitment to fostering restorative reading practices for a brighter, more connected future.

Reviews

[Kris Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a two part book. The first part is reading - I’m crushing it. The second part is writing - I welcome all her tips, tricks, ideas, strategies, and resources to enhance my writing life.

I think Stephanie is an amazing human and literacy educator coach. If you ever get the opportunity to learn from her at a conference or through a virtual workshop, do it! You will not have regrets. She is so warm, thoughtful, and creative. Earlier in the school year she helped me develop my coaching menu. 😍

[Lyndsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

So thankful for a summer where we are just tiptoeing slowly out of covid restrictions, because my personal reading and writing inspiration has just grown (and grown and...). My Goodreads list, podcasts queue, social media accounts to follow, and library of writers notebook prompts are refreshed and restocked.

This book serves two purposes: one is to help you deepen/revive your own reading and writing habits and the other is to offer advice and ideas on how to translate those personal practices into the classroom.

Early in the book, Affinito describes reading staircases: how one text leads to another. The impressive list of references and suggestions of web-based resources to check out hase building a super staircase at the moment.

(Full disclosure, I have a little cameo in this book, sharing a sketchnoted page from my notebook. I'm honoured to be in such good company and thrilled that Dr. Affinito was able to send me a copy of the text as it wasn't available in Canada yet! Looks like Pearson Canada now has it available through it's website!)

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many ideas for sharing your reading and writing life! I loved the classroom connection sections.

[Amy Peoples · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, eyeopening for personal life and classroom

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a new teacher, this book has wonderful ideas especially how to be a model for living a literate life. For me, some great reminders and some new ideas!!! I would give this book a 4.5.

[Mandy Robek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this book personally and professionally. Filled with tons of helpful ideas to nourish readers, writers, our whole self! ❤️