Conversations : Strategies for Teaching, Learning, and Evaluating

By Regie Routman

Book Overview

"Talking the process of change and teaching is a necessity for our intellectual and social well-being," says acclaimed author Regie Routman. Now, in this long-awaited volume, Routman continues the discussion she began in the best-selling Invitations and further explores the full universe of an effective language arts and literacy program across the curriculum. Filled with an array of field-tested teaching ideas, detailed strategies, reviews of theory, teacher-crafted lessons, and lists of resources, Conversations is all you need to become an informed, confident professional, sensitive to your students' needs and interests. What's more, it incorporates Routman's perspective on important topical issues such as curricular rigor, direct teaching, specific skills, and daily monitoring.

Conversations is grounded in the belief that the connections, interactions, reflections, and new thinking that evolve from rich dialogue define what we know. It was written, in part, to spur teachers to challenge assumptions, clarify their own learning, and take the lead in their own professional development. While this is not a book about a particular methodology, Routman does explore current theory and practice, and supports her views with classroom-based and scientific research. The book is upbeat and practical; each chapter is self-contained and can be read in any order. As Routman shares her own experiences and resources--through narratives, anecdotes, step-by-step demonstrations, and examples of students' work--we may find ourselves questioning, modifying, validating, or changing our own practices. Most of all, we will find ourselves talking. And here is where the conversation begins.

Text chapters: 656pp - The Blue Pages: Resources for Teachers: 240pp

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 032500109X
• ISBN13: 9780325001098
• Release Date: October 1999
• Publisher: Heinemann Educational Books
• Length: 896 Pages
• Weight: 3.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.6" x 7.5" x 9.3"
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 8

Customer Reviews

Exceeded expectations

I'm a member of a mailring which includes classroom teachers and reading specialists (I'm a reading specialist). This book was recommended a number of times. I have so many professional books that I was leary of spending the money on one more, but I was at a workshop where I was able to preview the book and was impressed.I purchased the book, and I was not disappointed! It's easy to read and has a lot of down-to-earth ideas based on the latest research and includes numerous charts, checklists and student work samples. It follows right along with expansion of ideas from Mosaic of Thought and Strategies That Work. I especially love the section on retelling.I think teachers at any grade level could benefit from this book. There are examples at every level. This is not the kind of book you read from cover to cover. I'll use it as a reference book for years to come.

A must in every educator's library

This book is an incredible source of information for teaching any aspect of a Language Arts program. It details reading approaches and writing techniques and shows how to bring them together for a Balanced Literacy Program. It also has a great index in the back listing all kinds of resources and childrens books.