Conversations

"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

REGIE ROUTMAN is an internationally respected teacher and author who speaks at major educational conferences and conducts full day workshops for educators. Her current work and focus involves weeklong school residencies where she does daily demonstration teaching in classrooms, coaches teachers, and facilitates ongoing professional conversations. Currently, she lives in Seattle, WA. Regie's teaching experience of almost thirty-five years includes being a classroom teacher (for most of the elementary grades), a reading specialist, a learning disabilities tutor, a Reading Recovery teacher, a language arts resource and mentor teacher, and a staff developer. Her books are widely acclaimed as providing a solid, theory-based understanding of language learning along with a wealth of practical ideas and extensive, annotated resources. Because Regie writes in an honest, personal, and encouraging voice based on her daily experiences in classrooms, teachers find her books