Classrooms that Work: They Can All Read and Write

by Patricia Marr Cunningham, Richard L. Allington

The Fifth Edition of "Classrooms That Work" emphasizes a core set of ideas across a variety of timely topics, providing a comprehensive, balanced treatment of instructional reading methods for struggling and culturally diverse students. Best-selling authors Pat Cunningham s and Dick Allington s clear and friendly writing style emphasizes the importance of promoting the integration of phonics and literature-based process writing and reading instruction to enhance ALL students learning and reading skills. The book clarifies concepts, defines key terms, and offers just the right balance of research and practical coverage to make the content complete without being overwhelming. Chapter 4 addresses the topic of fostering fluency, providing teachers with a variety of ways to increase the amount of reading their students are doing and make sure that ALL students are learning to quickly and accurately read and spell the most common words. The authors also address how teachers can dramatically increase the amount of reading and writing their students do each day by incorporating literacy activities as teachers cover the content areas of math, science and social studies. Chapter 11 reflects the reality of the current student population in classrooms across America and suggests a variety of ways successful teachers differentiate their instruction to meet the needs of increasingly diverse classrooms. Take a peek inside... Addresses the importance of fostering fluency by providing teachers with a variety of methods to increase the amount of reading their students are doing throughout the day and teaching students to quickly and accurately read and spell common words. (Chapter 4) Takes a comprehensive, balanced approach to teaching literacy to all students. Suggests a variety of ways successful teachers differentiate their instruction to meet the needs of increasingly diverse classrooms. (Chapter 11) Differentiates instruction by providing Tech Savvy Teacher and English Language Learners boxes throughout all chapters. These boxes contain practical suggestions for using technology and other resources to make instruction as effective as possible for ALL students. Outlines the research-base that supports the book's approach to instruction. (Chapter 11) "

Genres: Education, Teaching, School, Nonfiction, Writing

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

Reviews

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for a graduate course, this offers a basic framework for the middle level ELA classroom, along with useful strategies and tools that can be implemented immediately. Perhaps better suited as an undergraduate text, but it provided useful reminders nonetheless.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, and continued to read it past what was required for my reading instruction class. It is full of excellent ideas and inspiration for teaching reading to students with diverse needs.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was required reading for a class but I enjoyed all of the ideas and resources that this book provided. I will refer back to it.

[Savannah Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

"What Really Matters for Struggling Readers" by Richard Allington (a co-author on this book) is one of my favorite books about reading. This one, though, was really just lackluster for me. I thought the section on words and word work just can't compare to "Words Their Way" or "Word Journeys." I felt the assessment stuff was all stuff I already knew. It's basic premise--that all students need ample time to read and write--is undeniable. I just feel like I've read all of this before, and that I've read it all in a better format. It really can't compare to a lot of other books that I've read. I know that this book was first written in 1994, and that at that time a lot of this may have been groundbreaking. I read the third edition, though, that was published in 2003. I don't think it has updated itself like it should. I wish I liked it more, because the other Richard Allington book I read before was just fabulous. It just really didn't do much for me or my practice as a teacher.

[Robyn Simmons · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cunningham provides the reader with many hands on lessons througout this text. She invites teachers to become more interactive and aware of literacy centers. She does a great job of mapping out each activity by time and location. Cunningham is an excellent researcher that encourages teachers to build teamwork and teach children on all levels. This is a great resource to have in the classroom. Itis a easy read that teachers can relate to.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Patricia Cunningham is amazing! Her books are full of information to help you better understand the development of literacy/reading and writing in students and activities to assist in that development. Highly recommended.

[Anne]

Patricia Cunningham is my resource! I was taught and do teach the 4 Blocks method. This is a great go to resource: highlight the heck out this book and go back to it every summer before school starts!

[Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a lot of great activities. I really liked the tone of this book, it is not one of those textbooks that you read and know you are reading a textbook. It's not boring and dry like a lot of other textbooks, which made the reading go quick and I learned a lot from it.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all elementary educators.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coming back to this book after more experience in the classroom, I found that the ideas and concepts were even more relevant and important.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

All elementary teachers and principals should read this. There is a new edition with some additional material.

[L Jung · Rating 5 out of 5]

Literacy

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full of great suggestions for simple and effective reading and writing strategies. After reading this book I have a better understanding of what early grade teachers do to teach reading and writing.

[Diana Pettis · Rating 4 out of 5]

So far I really like it. I am a big fan of Patricia Cunningham and Richard Allington. My teacher friends would know these folks.

[Polly Vaughan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Information, easy read, centered around early childhood.

[Mrs. Schonour · Rating 4 out of 5]

This text has a very friendly tone and is easy to read. It's set up like a textbook, but has more style and makes it more fun.

[Billie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another excellent book from Patricia Cunningham, a great tool for teachers!

[Leila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of great strategies I was able to use in the classroom.