"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

Average Customer Review: ( 5 customer reviews )
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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.

44 of 51 found the following review helpful:

A must in every educator's libraryMay 16, 2000

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.

good readJan 05, 2011
By angela r vanhoose
This book is a good read for background information. A little too technical for me and not as teacher-friendly as Debbie Miller.

Great Tool for TeachersDec 14, 2010
By J. Iseminger "SDjlise"
I was pleasantly surprised with this great book. I asked our school library if they could borrow this book from another library, because I assumed our small library did not own it. I was correct in my assumption, but our library decided to order this book to have on hand for other teachers to read. I had read previous reviews on Amazon, and that is why I wanted to read this book. Regie Routman is a great writer and an inspiration to all teachers. Although her methods focus mainly on the elementary levels, the ideas can be used at all levels of education (I teach middle school Title 1 reading). This is an EASY and engaging read! You will not be disappointed. I would recommend buying your own copy so you can highlight the important things.

2 of 5 found the following review helpful:

Old school thinking written and supported by academic crooniesMay 20, 2010
By teacher and MOM "teacher and MOM"
Routman explains that any information that is not developed directly from the classroom is irrelevant to her. She ignores all scientific research as it relates to reading,writing, and teaching methods. Instead she uses names of individual teachers to endorse her methods and she believes that is a form of research. The result is a textbook that ignores foundations of teaching reading and writing as a part of the teacher in training's instruction. They are absent. She states in her introduction that reliance on them is a step backwards. Frequent references are made to the outsiders--including administrators, parents, legislators, and others that are attempting to undermine the educational system. This book is politically charged with a purpose to maintain control of the classroom by professional teachers and university educators. Ms. Routman's methods are like that of an emperor who wears no clothes but she believes they are beautiful because she wants them to be. Outcomes and needs of the students be damned.