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Tell Me (children, Reading & Talk) with the Reading Environment
Tell Me is companion to The Reading Environment.
220 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1993
48 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Aidan Chambers
97 books300 followersAidan Chambers was a British author of children's and young-adult novels. He won both the British Carnegie Medal and the American Printz Award for Postcards from No Man's Land (1999). For his "lasting contribution to children's literature" he won the biennial, international Hans Christian Andersen Award in 2002.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
February 23, 2018
"We have to read this WHOLE book?! Naa." - Year one Brookes student
"I can use Chambers for this assignment too? Nice" - Year two Brookes student
"I have now quoted every single word Chambers has ever said." - Year three Brookes student
"I can use Chambers for this assignment too? Nice" - Year two Brookes student
"I have now quoted every single word Chambers has ever said." - Year three Brookes student
August 25, 2020
I don't know how many times I have read this book now but it is definitely well over 20 times and each time I am thankful for Chambers' clarity and sensibility when it comes to building a reading culture in a school and depth of thought and reflection that enables each new read to feel different.
This copy actually opens with the Environment first and then Tell Me which makes a lot of sense since the grounds are set for the 'why' we need a reading culture in our classrooms and how we make that happen before moving into something more pedagogically based in the Tell Me approach.
On this read, my main focus was on the importance of Teachers as Readers for some writing that I am doing and in preparation for my module. What was clear was the instrumental position and belief of the teacher in reading for pleasure as to how much impact and effect they will have on their class of potential readers should they buy into this. As Chambers states early on:
'If we want to be skilful in helping other people, especially children, becoming willing, avid, and - most important of all - thoughtful readers, we need to know how to create a reading environment that enables them.'
What this environment looks like is what makes up the rest of this half of the book. As a student at Westminster College (now Oxford Brookes), I often thought only of the 'physical' nature of the environment: bookshelves and displays but Chambers makes it clear that it is the 'enabling' teacher who is central and that a good knowledge of children's literature AND the books that each child in their class may have read and enjoyed is imperative. The list goes on and no one element comes across as more important than the other; each has a part to play.
I could go on but needless to say that it is a book that will always invite multiple readings and from which we can keep on learning with each revisit.
This copy actually opens with the Environment first and then Tell Me which makes a lot of sense since the grounds are set for the 'why' we need a reading culture in our classrooms and how we make that happen before moving into something more pedagogically based in the Tell Me approach.
On this read, my main focus was on the importance of Teachers as Readers for some writing that I am doing and in preparation for my module. What was clear was the instrumental position and belief of the teacher in reading for pleasure as to how much impact and effect they will have on their class of potential readers should they buy into this. As Chambers states early on:
'If we want to be skilful in helping other people, especially children, becoming willing, avid, and - most important of all - thoughtful readers, we need to know how to create a reading environment that enables them.'
What this environment looks like is what makes up the rest of this half of the book. As a student at Westminster College (now Oxford Brookes), I often thought only of the 'physical' nature of the environment: bookshelves and displays but Chambers makes it clear that it is the 'enabling' teacher who is central and that a good knowledge of children's literature AND the books that each child in their class may have read and enjoyed is imperative. The list goes on and no one element comes across as more important than the other; each has a part to play.
I could go on but needless to say that it is a book that will always invite multiple readings and from which we can keep on learning with each revisit.
September 22, 2017
This is essential reading for anyone who wishes to step foot in a classroom. Chambers writes in a fantastically engaging and thoughtful way, making it accessible for any teacher who wishes to understand the importance of stories in learning. Additionally, this is a helpful book to use as a reference when reading with children, as it provides an outline for how to get them to really consider and reflect upon what they are reading. I know this book will have a place in my future classroom.
July 29, 2025
un libro precioso que invita a pensar sobre el papel de nuestrxs estudiantes en el aula, lleno de técnicas, herramientas, ejemplos y un poquito de teórica. es bastante al grano y me encantó la sensación de relevancia con la que me dejó. regresaré en el futuro cercano
August 29, 2018
There is no greater text for trainee teachers (and ALL teachers) on the importance of reading and talk in every classroom. Chambers discusses key aspects of teaching and learning, pedagogical considerations to be made and, most importantly, how to ensure we are an 'enabling adult' for all children.
September 3, 2018
This book is organised into short, precise and thought provoking chapters. The language is easy to read and made me think about my own reading habits as well as those of children. I was particularly interested by 'the set' and 'the settling' and how the power of the mind and attitude can strongly influence the opinion on reading. This book provides a vast variety of real life situations in which reading can be encouraged in the classroom, and organising visits from authors etc. I found these ideas very useful and I will be looking out for examples in my upcoming placement with the aim to use them as a base idea in my own teaching and classroom.
October 11, 2022
I did not expect to get as much out of this book as I did! Definitely worth a read, especially if you’re about to embark on teaching children how to love reading. Very impressed.
September 29, 2015
Väldigt intressant.
September 10, 2017
Per addetti ai lavori.
Indubbiamente un ottimo testo di riferimento per chi ha la possibilità, per lavoro o per passione, di seguire costantemente un gruppo di bambini e accompagnarli alla scoperta del piacere della lettura. Ricco di richiami ed esempi pratici su come scegliere, affrontare e poi discutere i contenuti di un libro per ragazzi. Concetti, a mio parere, utili anche per noi adulti. Però per me, appassionato lettore e ora improbabile ma coriaceo lettore ad alta voce per bambini, è un testo troppo approfondito e molto fuori tema. Ci sono cose interessantissime, ma il più non rientra nella sfera dei miei interessi immediati. 190 pagine sono un po' troppe, per avere un po' di idee buone su come impostarsi davanti a bambini nel poco tempo che ho a disposizione e senza avere la certezza di poter leggere agli stessi bambini la volta successiva.
Indubbiamente un ottimo testo di riferimento per chi ha la possibilità, per lavoro o per passione, di seguire costantemente un gruppo di bambini e accompagnarli alla scoperta del piacere della lettura. Ricco di richiami ed esempi pratici su come scegliere, affrontare e poi discutere i contenuti di un libro per ragazzi. Concetti, a mio parere, utili anche per noi adulti. Però per me, appassionato lettore e ora improbabile ma coriaceo lettore ad alta voce per bambini, è un testo troppo approfondito e molto fuori tema. Ci sono cose interessantissime, ma il più non rientra nella sfera dei miei interessi immediati. 190 pagine sono un po' troppe, per avere un po' di idee buone su come impostarsi davanti a bambini nel poco tempo che ho a disposizione e senza avere la certezza di poter leggere agli stessi bambini la volta successiva.
May 31, 2017
Children need to start reading from very young age. To keep their reading enthusiasm, it's important to have someone to talk to them about the books they read. Chambers gave very detailed examples of these kind of book talks with young children. It's fun to read those talks.
Overall this is a great book for people who want to know more about how to raise a book-loving child.
Overall this is a great book for people who want to know more about how to raise a book-loving child.
November 4, 2021
A clear hands-on approach how to make (primary) school children discuss the puzzles and patterns they encounter in books
January 2, 2025
Necesario para las maestras que disfrutamos de la lectura y que queremos hacer del aula una comunidad de lectores.
December 16, 2019
I i recomend this book to everyone who work with kids and books and ppl who have kids. I don't really like fact books but this was very nice!
March 11, 2023
Me aburrió mucho, tenía cosas muy interesante pero habla largamente sobre libros no disponibles en mi idioma o país. Pero quitando todas las lecturas de libros sobre los que no tenía idea creo que da muchos consejos útiles
December 26, 2014
This book (which is actually two books, at least the version I read), mostly deals with how to get children to read and how to get kids to talk about what they've read ... which isn't really relevant to my life at all. I don't hang out with kids, I don't want kids, and I don't work with kids. Even so, it was interesting.
Actually, it made me think about reading, how I read, and what made me a reader as a child. I have no answers though, but maybe that's not always necessary. This year I read more than the past three years combined, but I can't tell you what was different, just that something was. The same way I can't tell what made me such an active reader, while my siblings barely read at all. I don't think book discussions had anything to do with it: I can't remember having participating in those at all when I was younger. Maybe that's a shame.
I did like one quote though, about how a lot of people don't read for pleasure. They read right before bed in the evening, so they can fall asleep, but that's not because they find it particularly enjoying or anything. It was an interesting observation I've never really made before, but it also makes sense: a lot of people that read a lot (myself included) can't really read before bed because we get too into it and stay up way too late. It's dangerous.
Anyway, my sister is studying to be a teacher for young children, I maye have to force this book upon her.
Actually, it made me think about reading, how I read, and what made me a reader as a child. I have no answers though, but maybe that's not always necessary. This year I read more than the past three years combined, but I can't tell you what was different, just that something was. The same way I can't tell what made me such an active reader, while my siblings barely read at all. I don't think book discussions had anything to do with it: I can't remember having participating in those at all when I was younger. Maybe that's a shame.
I did like one quote though, about how a lot of people don't read for pleasure. They read right before bed in the evening, so they can fall asleep, but that's not because they find it particularly enjoying or anything. It was an interesting observation I've never really made before, but it also makes sense: a lot of people that read a lot (myself included) can't really read before bed because we get too into it and stay up way too late. It's dangerous.
Anyway, my sister is studying to be a teacher for young children, I maye have to force this book upon her.
Read
January 4, 2021I absolutely LOVE this book! I think the ideas within seem somewhat obvious, read a book and have a chat about it but it doesn’t happen enough! After I read a book, all I want to do is discuss it with someone, their likes, dislikes, what they thought of the characters and so on. I think if children are given the opportunity to share ideas about books they will encourage each other to read more and discover aspects of the books they may have missed. Everyone interprets things in different ways, therefore hearing other points of view may enlighten some. It also gives children some ownership of what they have read and would like to go on to read, the books used in class don’t have to always be picked by the teacher, it can be a collaborative decision and often within the classroom there is an ‘expert’ that would be thrilled to share their knowledge and suggest further reading to others. I love the idea of always having a wide variety of books available for children to choose from, the teacher must have read a broad selection to be able to recommend. I will absolutely continue to refer to this book as a trainee teacher and include these ideas in my planning.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2019
En viktig bok att läsa.
Så otroligt mycket matnyttigt i den.
Önskar att jag var lärare så att jag kunde använda mig av "jag undrar" med elever ofta. Börjat fundera på hur jag kan använda det i mitt jobb men också på fritiden med vänner och deras barn.
Det är otroligt viktigt att samtala om böcker, man lär sig så mycket mer och läsning blir en gemensam aktivitet som gör allting roligare.
Det var vissa saker i boken som inte var så viktiga för mig kanske, men det är en en fempoängare för det var bara bra saker i den. Har låtit det ta tid att läsa igenom hela boken och det var bra för man kan inte ta in allting på en gång. Då hade jag nog missat en massa som jag nu har kunnat fundera över ordentligt.
Så otroligt mycket matnyttigt i den.
Önskar att jag var lärare så att jag kunde använda mig av "jag undrar" med elever ofta. Börjat fundera på hur jag kan använda det i mitt jobb men också på fritiden med vänner och deras barn.
Det är otroligt viktigt att samtala om böcker, man lär sig så mycket mer och läsning blir en gemensam aktivitet som gör allting roligare.
Det var vissa saker i boken som inte var så viktiga för mig kanske, men det är en en fempoängare för det var bara bra saker i den. Har låtit det ta tid att läsa igenom hela boken och det var bra för man kan inte ta in allting på en gång. Då hade jag nog missat en massa som jag nu har kunnat fundera över ordentligt.
May 25, 2020
El enfoque «Dime» se sustenta en la conversación y la conducción entre el maestro y los estudiantes. Su importancia radica en las preguntas que se proponen para mantener una charla desde un punto de vista que mezcla lo académico y lo informal y de las competencias lectoras necesarias en el maestro.
Recomendado para todos aquellos que deseen promover experiencia significativas en la lectura literaria en pequeños y jóvenes.
Recomendado para todos aquellos que deseen promover experiencia significativas en la lectura literaria en pequeños y jóvenes.
January 28, 2014
This is a very good book and a very effective approach, have tried it myself with high school students, in Sweden, and it worked very well, a lot better than I had first expected, I am looking forward to work more with this approach!
September 30, 2019
Inspirational
May 25, 2021
El tfg de vegades té coses bones (o això és l'excusa que em dic a mi mateixa perquè no estic llegint res més que llibres per la uni✌️)
May 29, 2020
En [jag] betygsätter [recenserar] ju inte tankekorn [lol].
Hursom: Chambers är en svårt ivrig läsfrämjare. Som en Kjersén Edman. Fast sympatisk. Och då framstår Chambers som inte särskilt sympatiskt. Till skillnad från en [jag] annan [nej, jag] som ju tvingas skryta med min ödmjukhet. Kjersén Edmans värv recenserar [betygsätter] jag [en] inte här. Det vore ohederligt. Jag låter eldsjälar brinna i frid [fred].
Jag tror läsfrämjande handlar om något så trist som sunt förnuft. Och att det främsta verktyget för det är magen [alt. en smula fingerspitzengefühl].
Det faktum att det heter hakparentes är skrattretande. Som en skäggfrisyr.
Hursom: Chambers är en svårt ivrig läsfrämjare. Som en Kjersén Edman. Fast sympatisk. Och då framstår Chambers som inte särskilt sympatiskt. Till skillnad från en [jag] annan [nej, jag] som ju tvingas skryta med min ödmjukhet. Kjersén Edmans värv recenserar [betygsätter] jag [en] inte här. Det vore ohederligt. Jag låter eldsjälar brinna i frid [fred].
Jag tror läsfrämjande handlar om något så trist som sunt förnuft. Och att det främsta verktyget för det är magen [alt. en smula fingerspitzengefühl].
Det faktum att det heter hakparentes är skrattretande. Som en skäggfrisyr.
March 29, 2025
A wonderfully democratic and empowering approach to the teaching of literature in schools - something that, in my experience at least, tends to be very elitist and show-offy. But it does seem that the only real point of studying literature in schools is to think about texts as part of a community, and the Tell Me approach rightly privileges that.
I’ll definitely be trying this out in my undergrad course. If nothing else, it seems so much more fun than the way I was taught, with instructor lectures and PowerPoints interrupted only by the occasional “Any questions?”
I’ll definitely be trying this out in my undergrad course. If nothing else, it seems so much more fun than the way I was taught, with instructor lectures and PowerPoints interrupted only by the occasional “Any questions?”
December 15, 2016
Inspirador, clave para todo mediador. Pero sí encuentro que, aunque haga énfasis sobre eso, este libro debe leerse con experiencia previa en el tema. Los escenarios se ven muy ideales, y la tendencia del lector me imagino que será a copiarlos. Eso es imposible, y llevaría a unas frustraciones terribles...
De alguna manera esperaba que me entregara respuestas, pero las preguntas que hace son muy buenas. Las respuestas las debe encontrar cada uno en su contexto.
De alguna manera esperaba que me entregara respuestas, pero las preguntas que hace son muy buenas. Las respuestas las debe encontrar cada uno en su contexto.
April 20, 2018
I read this as an assignment for a class. Good concept, would have like to seen it a bit more developed with more details and examples. There is still a lot of useful ideas about how to teach children to analyze literature and engage in the texts they are reading. I will use some of the strategies with my children.
September 23, 2020
Children need to start reading from very young age. To keep their reading enthusiasm, it's important to have someone to talk to them about the books they read. Chambers gave very detailed examples of these kind of book talks with young children. It's fun to read those talks.
Overall this is a great book for people who want to know more about how to raise a book-loving child.
Overall this is a great book for people who want to know more about how to raise a book-loving child.
August 13, 2022
Una lettura obbligata per gli addetti ai lavori, con tanti suggerimenti e spunti da usare in classe. Due annotazioni importanti: Chambers fa tanti riferimenti al mondo anglosassone, dove la lettura a scuola ha più peso che qui in Italia. Seconda annotazione: questa edizione avrebbe bisogno di essere aggiornata sia per i titoli proposti che per una revisione generale.
January 1, 2017
If you want to think and write about children, reading and literature, this book is your best ally and friend. Interesting, well written, deep without becoming difficult by an author who has enormous experience and an deep and true love of reading and literature.
August 21, 2021
Very readable on the theory and practice of setting up a classroom environment that encourages reading for pleasure. The second section has good detail and case studies to exemplify effective book talk.
December 22, 2021
Easily written and inspiring book about how to engage and motivate children to read! Not only to read but also to talk about the book. This book left me inspired and eager to try this out in my own classroom!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews