Invitations: Changing as Teachers and Learners K-12

by Regie Routman

With this remarkably complete and well-organized resource, Regie Routman invites all teachers to reflect upon their practice, and in doing so, she makes whole language teaching and learning possible for everyone. The text provides in-depth information, as well as step-by-step demonstration lessons for topics such becoming a whole language teacher; shared reading and shared writing for all grades; guided reading - whole class, small group, and individualized; grouping for success; examining a basal story and using it holistically; developing literature extension activities; responding to literature through literature response logs and discussion groups; setting up an independent reading program; journal writing; teaching phonics and skills strategically; letter writing and story writing for authentic purposes; integrating spelling into the reading-writing classroom; getting the publishing process going; integrating the language arts through literature and across the curriculum; understanding and utilizing meaningful evaluation procedures - anecdotal records, grading, and self-evaluation; applying holistic strategies to L.D. and "at-risk" students; organizing and managing the whole language classroom; establishing teacher support groups and other networks. With the Blue Pages bound in, Invitations is the most exhaustive resource available for any teacher interested in professional development and changing his or her teaching.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Language, Nonfiction

762 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

Reviews

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

When I began teaching, Routman was all the rage. A buddy of mine stated he read this each summer prior to the start of the new school year. My professors in graduate school heralded Routman. I purchased the book. I wasn't as impressed as others.

It was okay, I suppose, but I thought it was (like many educational books) shallow and full of fluff.

I tried many times to implement ideas from the text, but found that my teaching did not accommodate this style well.

[Valley Cottage Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

SUMMER READING CLUB: "The inspiration to breathe life into any teacher's practice. Send a copy to your child's teacher for a holiday gift or thank-you!" -Ann Owens

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was tough for me to finish since its so long, but it's clear to me Routman has her priorities straight. Even though its a bit outdated, it still has useful ideas about whole language.

[Sirpa Grierson · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say? She is fabulous :) A teacher's teacher.