Literacy in the Welcoming Classroom: Creating Family-School Partnerships that Support Student Learning

Language and Literacy

by JoBeth Allen, Celia Genishi (Series Editor), Donna E. Alvermann (Series Editor)

Nearly every reform effort espouses the importance of “parent involvement.” This research-based guide is essential reading for teachers and administrators who want to make welcoming classrooms a reality. With a focus on literacy instruction, it showcases stories of what works when teachers in elementary school classrooms throughout the country partner with families across cultural and language differences. The author showcases effective strategies that educators can adapt to fit their own school communities. This book is perfect for professional study groups, parent–teacher discussions, and whole-school workshops. This follow-up to JoBeth Allen’s bestselling Creating Welcoming Schools : Offers exercises teachers can use with families, including a version in Spanish, downloadable at www.tcpress.com. “If all schools could put these ideas into play, I have no doubt that children’s reading achievement would soar.”
— Anne T. Henderson , Annenberg Institute for School Reform
“JoBeth Allen’s new book is the one we educators most need for 21st-century schools…. This isn’t about getting families to do school at home; it’s about bringing homes and neighborhoods into the language and literacy activities and learning inquiries in schools.”
—From the Foreword by Katherine Bomer , educational consultant and Randy Bomer , The University of Texas at Austin

120 pages, Paperback

First published May 30, 2010

About the author

JoBeth Allen retired from the University of Georgia in 2014 where she loved teaching, writing, and codirecting the Red Clay Writing Project where all of us met. She relishes spending more time with her family, including grandchildren Grace, Luke, Mia, Cora, and Anikin. Her educational passion now is work with undocumented immigrant students pursuing higher education in the face of institutional and societal barriers.

Reviews

[Amber Vance · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lot of good ideas, but I felt it was more suitable for newer teachers, not veterans. I love the passion the author has for family engagement in the schools.

[Tracey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Classroom tested ideas and strategies for inviting families into the classroom building upon language and literacy strengths and resources.