Synopses & Reviews
Much has been written about the merits of changing the direction of language arts education and moving away from skill-oriented basal texts and worksheets into literature-based whole language programs. Little has been offered to teachers who are not fully satisfied with their present reading-writing programs but who lack the confidence to make a change. In this book Regie Routman attempts to provide support, encouragement, and ideas to teachers looking for alternatives.
Drawing from her own experience, she describes an existing program that has worked well for students and teachers and offers suggestions of how any elementary classroom can benefit from the transition from standardized texts to literature. The material she presents is designed to demonstrate the alternatives available, to stimulate thinking, and to give teachers, parents, and administrators the knowledge and procedures that are necessary to make a change.
Review
If you haven't already read Regie Routman's Transitions: From Literature to Literacy and Invitations: Changing as Teachers and Learners K-12, order them immediately and embark on your own personal discovery . . .The Reading Teacher
Synopsis
Little has been offered to teachers who are not fully satisfied with their present reading-writing programs but who lack the confidence to make a change. In this book Regie Routman attempts to provide support, encouragement, and ideas to teachers looking for alternatives.
Synopsis
Much has been written about the merits of changing the direction of language arts education and moving away from skill-oriented basal texts and worksheets into literature-based whole language programs. Little has been offered to teachers who are not fully satisfied with their present reading-writing programs but who lack the confidence to make a change. In this book Regie Routman attempts to provide support, encouragement, and ideas to teachers looking for alternatives.
Drawing from her own experience, she describes an existing program that has worked well for students and teachers and offers suggestions of how any elementary classroom can benefit from the transition from standardized texts to literature. The material she presents is designed to demonstrate the alternatives available, to stimulate thinking, and to give teachers, parents, and administrators the knowledge and procedures that are necessary to make a change.
About the Author
Regie Routman's intimate knowledge of teaching and learning, down-to-earth style, and dedication to children's success have made her one of the most vibrant and respected names in literacy education. Her books, Teaching Essentials; Writing Essentials; Reading Essentials; Conversations; Literacy at the Crossroads; Invitations; The Blue Pages; and Transitions, all published by Heinemann, have encouraged hundreds of thousands of teachers to take charge of their professional learning and create efficient, joyful practices. Currently she is dedicating herself to a new, dynamic framework to support teachers' professional development. The DVD-based Regie Routman in Residence supports in-depth, yearlong literacy staff development that replicates the demonstration teaching she conducts in weeklong residencies and brings to life the practices she advocates in Teaching Essentials. Regie continues to inform and inspire teachers as a language arts coach in schools across the country, as a speaker at national conferences, and as a presenter of one-day workshops through Heinemann Professional Development.
Table of Contents
My Turning Point: Catalysts for Change
Why Change? A Need for Active Literacy
The Reading Program: Teaching Reading with Children's Books
Using Predictable Books: What You Need to Know
Literature Extension Activities: Meaningful Independent Work
The Writing Program: How to Begin It and Keep It Going
The Reading-Writing Process: Moving into Grade 2
The Literature-Writing Program: Continuing in Grade 3
Parent Involvement: Communication
First Year Journals: Entries from Two Teachers
Everyday Concerns: Organization and Classroom Management
Evaluation: Evaluating the Process as Well as the Product
Making Changes: The Need for Teacher Support
Any Questions?
Postscript: Transitions
Resources for Teachers
Recommended Literature