The Power of Our Words: Teacher Language That Helps Children Learn - Softcover

Denton, Paula

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1892989182 ISBN 13: 9781892989185

Publisher: Northeast Foundation for Children, 2007

Synopsis

Thoughtful use of language is an often-overlooked component of the teacher's repertoire. However, the words, phrases, tone, and pace used daily in the classroom have the power to help students develop self-control, build their sense of belonging, and gain skills and knowledge.

In this warm and thought-provoking guide, Paula Denton offers practical tips, real-life anecdotes, and concrete examples, including specific suggestions about language to adopt and language to avoid. Topics include: using language to help children envision success;open-ended questions that stretch children's thinking;listening and using silence skillfully;the 3 Rs of teaching language: reinforcing, reminding, and redirecting;saying what you mean and meaning what you saygiving brief, concrete instructionsoffering meaningful, specific encouragement

The Power of Our Words advocates a sensible approach to teacher language that is backed by research and prove through decades of successful practice in elementary classrooms nationwide. It offers ideas beginners can try immediately and a wealth of guidance and support for those already engaged in the process of rethinking their practice.

About this title

About the Author

Paula Denton began teaching children in 1982 and working as a Responsive Classroom consulting teacher in 1990. She is currently manager of program development at Northeast Foundation for Children. Paula has taught pre-service teachers at Antioch New England Graduate School and the University of Massachusetts. She is the author of Learning Through Academic Choice and co-author of The First Six Weeks of School.

Review

This book is filled with stories and examples for using words effectively to deal with just about every challenging situation you can think of. It is a wonderful guide for teachers on how their choice of words and tone of voice can make the difference between encouragement and discouragement.

--Jane Nelsen, EdD, author of the Positive Discipline series of books

Generous in its practical examples, The Power of Our Words also clarifies the principles behind using constructive language in the classroom. The book calls on us to remember that teaching is not a monologue, but a dialogue.

--Carol Ann Tomlinson, EdD, Professor of Leadership, Foundations & Policy, The University of Virginia

This book is filled with stories and examples for using words effectively to deal with just about every challenging situation you can think of. It is a wonderful guide for teachers on how their choice of words and tone of voice can make the difference between encouragement and discouragement for children. --Jane Nelsen, EdD, author of the Positive Discipline series of books

Edition details

• Publisher: Northeast Foundation for Children
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 1892989182
• ISBN 13: 9781892989185
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 172