Real Talk in Elementary Classrooms : Effective Oral Language Practice

Describing effective, creative strategies for talking with students in ways that enhance literacy learning, this book offers a window into the classrooms of four exemplary teachers. Principles of productive classroom discussions are illustrated with detailed case examples. The book shows how—and explains why—"real talk" can enhance student engagement, foster critical thinking, promote mastery of literacy concepts, and instill a lasting love of reading. It offers ideas for selecting children's literature and fitting a range of interactive literacy activities into the school day. The authors draw on current knowledge about the connections between oral language and literacy development across the elementary grades.

Maureen P. Boyd, PhD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Learning and Instruction at the University at Buffalo, The State University of New York. Prior to receiving her doctorate, she taught English language arts and English language learning in K–12 English language learner and mainstream classrooms in the Middle East, Asia, and the United States for 15 years. Dr. Boyd has written book chapters and articles in several journals.

 

Lee Galda, PhD, is Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Minnesota. Prior to receiving her doctorate, she taught in elementary and middle school classrooms. Dr. Galda is chair of the 2010–2012 IRA Children’s and Young Adults’ Book Awards Selection Committee. She sits on the review boards of several professional journals and on the editorial board of Children’s Literature in Education. Dr. Galda is the author of numerous articles and book chapters on children’s literature.