This revised handbook is even more useful for elementary teachers who want to explore the best techniques for teaching reading and writing. The second edition of this popular guide has been totally rewritten and offers more than one hundred procedures and activities based on the latest research. In this superb collection of proven strategies, teachers will find old favorites as well as new approaches they will want to try-- from using reading comprehension strategies and the writing process to working with information texts and technology.

This overview of best practices for encouraging literacy helps teachers reflect on their own teaching style as they explore innovative approaches to learning. It contains hundreds of practical ideas to meet the particular needs of every student. Each strategy includes a brief discussion of the issues and then focuses on ready-to-use ideas for any classroom. Some of the topics addressed include: joining the literacy club--from conditions for literacy learning and gender issues to supporting literacy growth and using parents as partners; structures for literacy learning-- from creating a print environment and guided reading to independent reading and tutoring struggling students;reading strategies--from tapping into background knowledge and monitoring comprehension to encouraging oral, written, and visual response;writing strategies-- from using notebooks and tricks of the trade to writing in genre and applying the conventions of language;organizing a literacy classroom-- from timetabling and involving the library to essential classroom resources in all genres.

"Literacy Techniques for Building Successful Readers and Writers" also includes checklists and guidelines--many in reproducible form--for easy classroom use.

This new edition of a popular classic shows teachers simple, engaging strategies for exploring literacy in new, innovative ways. Literacy sources are at the root of this amazing book that encompasses picture books, novels, poetry, scripts and photographs into effective classroom instruction. Compelling strategies throughout the book are designed to enrich interactive possibilities amongst learners in the language arts classroom. By reading, writing, and talking both in role and out of role, students can develop and share their responses, their stories, and their ideas. In this totally revised 4th edition, Larry Swartz digs deeply into the riches of the past three editions and considers the experiences of language arts teachers who have used all versions of the book for almost three decades. Full of engaging new ideas, the book includes many new sources and carefully chosen strategies for exploring with students such issues as identity, poverty, diversity, bullying, and immigration. An ideal resource for busy teachers who want to put drama into literacy programs and literacy into dramatic programs.

This handy flipchart describes how teachers can effectively use picture books as tools for learning. Through deeper reading, students experience and respond to picture books in a way that enhances understanding and leads to renewed wonder. The Picture Book Experience includes easy-to-use tips, charts, graphic organizers, and activities for whole-classroom or independent reading. The extensive lists of titles, authors, and illustrators help teachers and students select personal picture book favorites to return to again and again.

This 32-page flipchart provides a wealth of practical tips and suggestions for using the power of novels to explore the fascinating world of language. Through simple steps, this handy guide helps students develop confidence in choosing novels that suit their tastes, interests, and abilities. It focuses on innovative ways students can share their responses to literature and make connections to their own lives.

The flipchart offers a thoughtfully structured framework for organizing classrooms that promote a variety of novel-reading experiences.Why Read Novels?Organizing a Novel ProgramChoosing NovelsReading for ComprehensionProcessing InformationResponding and Sharing

"The Novel Experience"models comprehension strategies to use before, during, and after reading that will help readers hone their skills and clarify their understanding. Graphic organizers and reproducible masters illustrate how students can integrate thinking, reading, writing, and responding.

The straightforward and easy-to-read format is complemented by an up-to-date list of more than 100 novels that will introduce readers to a whole new world of favorites

Based on what we now know about reading, this practical book offers strategies in a consistent format that is easy for teachers to incorporate in their daily instruction. This grab-bag of classroom-tested activities allows teachers to choose what they need to meet the diverse needs of students in grades 1 through 8. These strategies guide students through the reading process and build important comprehension skills through reading, talk, art, drama, and more. These innovative ways to use the best children's books inspire students to become enthusiastic and avid readers, and take the first giant step into becoming lifelong readers.

Discover key strategies for making words the core of classroom instruction and engagement. Literacy guru Larry Swartz offers novel ways to expand students' interest in and facility with words and word power - day by day, word by word. This practical resource is designed to help students discover why words matter as they build vocabulary; gain confidence to spell new and difficult words; develop word recognition and process unfamiliar words when reading; increase understanding of words in the content areas; inquire about word meanings and derivations; play with and celebrate words and language; and much more!

Combat the bullying epidemic with powerful and positive ways to connect, react, and respond to personal stories and important events that lead to a better understanding of the complex issues around bullying. The Bully-Go-Round will help students better know themselves and their peers, and avoid being caught in the cycle of the bully, the bullied, and the bystander. This compact little flipbook offers more than 35 activities, including responding in writing, in art, and in role, along with lists of resources, discussion prompts, and tips for teachers on providing a forum to explore the bullying issue.

This passionate book is about community, compassion, and creativity; it is about caring for others. Teachers will learn how to establish inclusive classrooms where kindness and concern become crucial backdrops for critical conversations. They will be introduced to simple but profound strategies that initiate and maintain respectful dialogue, promote collaboration over competition, and confront difficult issues such as bullying and exclusion. Through engaging, relevant, open-ended activities, students will be encouraged to explore events, ideas, themes, stories, and relationships from different perspectives, and then represent those new understandings in innovative and creative ways.

Drama Schemes, Themes & Dreams offers a comprehensive outline of improvisation and interpretation strategies that teachers can incorporate in classroom instruction. Organized around universal themes that invite students to make connections to texts and to each other, the book encourages students to consider their own identities and their place in the world. This useful book features a host of sources for dramatic activity, including scripts, monologues, poetry, novel excerpts, and technology. The activities enrich the meaning-making, creative process, and critical skills that students need to succeed in school and life.

This practical book is full of quick and easy-to-use lessons that promote meaningful writing practice. Teachers will find strategies organized alphabetically and in a consistent format that will inspire students to plan, develop, and share their writing. The lessons allow teachers to choose what they need to meet the diverse needs of students in grades one through eight. Each independent lesson guides students through the writing process with information about a writing form, along with suggested literature sources. Tips throughout the book will help students successfully write to narrate, to inform, to entertain, to persuade, to respond, and to enjoy.

Deepening In-Class and Online Learning shows teachers how to make learning joyful as they translate successful classroom strategies to virtual learning. The book includes more than 60 step-by-step strategies that encourage interaction, foster inclusion, and spark imagination. Each activity is presented in a consistent format, ready-to-use in-class and for online learning. Whether teaching virtually or adding digital activities to in-class instruction, this book explores effective ways for students to present, communicate, and collaborate. Innovative activities range from discussing hot topics and sharing personal stories to visual boards and digital storytelling. Also included is an up-to-date glossary of digital tools to help make sense of the shifting landscape in today's classrooms.

Take Me to Your Readers is rooted in the belief that teachers can lead their students to develop their reading tastes and grow in their love of reading at the same time as supporting and stretching students in their meaning-making experiences. This practical resource highlights more than 50 instructional strategies that invite students to work inside and outside a book through reading, writing, talk, and arts experiences. It is based on extensive research, highlighting the work of guest voices that include classroom teachers, Occasional teachers, Special Education teachers and librarians who share their best literacy practices. The book uses five essential areas to structure classroom experiences through children’s literature: Motivation; Theme Connections, Genre Connections, Cross-Curricular Connections, and Response. Extensive booklists, teaching tips, a wide range of activities, and reproducible pages provide practical support. Ultimately, this book is designed to take teachers to their readers and start them on a lifelong journey through great books!

This playful 32-page flip book explores all aspects of poetry -- from guidelines and an overview of poetic forms to the Top Ten lists of various poetry favorites. Handy reproducible masters are also provided which include a poetry timetable, ten questions to ask about any poem, an observation checklist for teachers, and a personal poetry inventory for students.

Created by two remarkable poets and educators, "The Poetry Experience" brings their infectious style to a topic that is often challenging for students and teachers alike. From questions and short activities to full classroom events, this engaging book focuses on both reading and writing poetry, and on experiencing poetry both on the page and read aloud. Extensive lists of poets and books ensure that every reader will find personal favorites to celebrate.

How do I use children's literature to build a deeper understanding of social justice, equity and diversity? Teaching Tough Topics shows teachers how to lead students to become caring citizens as they read and respond to quality children’s literature. It focuses on topics that can be challenging or sensitive, yet are significant in order to build understanding of social justice, diversity, and equity. Racism, Homophobia, Bullying, Religious Intolerance, Poverty, and Physical and Mental Challenges are just some of the themes explored. The book is rooted in the belief that by using picture books, novels, poetry, and nonfiction, teachers can enrich learning with compassion and empathy as students make connections to texts, to others, and to the world.

"This Is a Great Book!" is rooted in the belief that having a wide range of 'great' books to read is essential to student success as readers inside the classroom ... and beyond. Based on extensive research, this highly-readable book explores a wide range of recommended titles that cover a spectrum of developmental stages for readers of chapter books to young adult novels. The 100 events outlined in this resource include a wealth of practical suggestions - more than 50 reproducible activities, assessment profiles, and inventories for easy classroom use. Committed to nurturing the love of reading, the book invites readers to dig deeper in their understanding and appreciation of books by responding through writing, discussion, the arts, media, and more. Special attention is given to the world of leisure reading, where readers make choices based on their preferences and tastes as they build a lifelong interest in fiction that will enrich their lives.