Grand Conversations: Literature Groups in Action

by Ralph Peterson, Maryann Eeds

Teach with real books in literature groups and watch your students read aloud, talk about books, and learn together. Includes a rationale, management strategies, grouping suggestions, checklists, and inspiring stories from the classroom.

Genres: Education, Teaching, Nonfiction, Professional Development

79 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a first grade teacher who participated in the section about Jim's Dog Muffins in this book, at the time I hadn't read the book that the researchers gave to the students, and was clueless about what to expect from the children's reactions. I was unaware that it was a story about the death of a pet. It was a real eye-opener. Children as young as first grade really want to discuss good stories and relate these to their own lives and experiences. I am privileged to have been recognized by these authors and involved in their research. I highly encourage teachers and parents to sit back and let their children discuss with each other and learn how to listen more and interact less when children are talking about their feelings, at least initially before joining in. Learning how to discuss literature is just as important as being able to write about it, especially in the early years to help prepare students to become more comfortable and ready for more academic writing in their future. Everyone should encourage book talk and find ways to listen to how a child relates to their reading, don't accept one word responses ask open ended questions such as "tell me what you thought about ..." and give time for the student to answer in full. Follow up questions are important too but shouldn't always be teacher driven.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

First read this book in 1993 and it transformed my thinking about literature instruction.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Chapter 1-3
I have read these chapters a few times now to understand more fully what is being said and how I have interpreted it in my own home and educational lives. I love reading books to children. I love seeing their body language look so involved in the story and hearing them moan and groan that we will have to wait until the next day to read more. I have only read for comprehension one time with a class and it was an interesting story to dive into but I honestly don't remember what it was. The difference was when I did a read-aloud while working at Barnes & Noble and read the first chapter of Harry Potter and the sorcerers stone. It was magical. I loved seeing the kids faces and seeing them beg their parents to get them the book to either be read to or read themselves.

As an adult taking literature classes I loved having my opinions turned from disliking a story to understanding why it is beautifully done. I think my appreciation level has changed as I have changed from Extensive reading to Intensive reading.

I want children in my classroom to appreciate the beauty of all literature and find the books that make them love reading. I can't wait to hear the students find something I read sparked their interest and they want recommendations for other texts from me.

[Alissa Monroe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting information, not really specific enough to implement techniques in classrooms. Great resource for interesting student books though.

[Shanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of bland, but there are a few good ideas in here.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great resource for reading teachers...

[Mike Kriznar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Michael Kriznar

I really enjoyed Grand Conversations. It had a lot of the teaching beliefs that I would follow.