Growing up Writing : Why Johnny and Janie Can't Write and What We Can Do about It

Argues that current educational methods hinder children trying to learn to write, and suggests new techniques

The "I hate to write" syndrome that has afflicted generations of students will not remain to puzzle educators if the predictions of this encouraging report are fulfilled. Silberman, coauthor of Crisis in the Classroom , emphasizes and illustrates the connection between writing, thinking and learning that starts as early as the preschool years. As she celebrates solutions and innovative programs for children and teachers observed in the course of three years' research throughout the country, she is an impassioned advocate of the intertwining of thinking and writing. To preserve the easy articulateness of the young child is the goal of the programs Silberman discusses and praises for their excellence. Addressed to parents, teachers, students, this study is a source of encouragement for changes in teaching.
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Silberman, education writer and consultant, gives a clear message to educators: learning through writing is fundamental to both affective and cognitive development. Traveling to classrooms throughout the United States, Silberman shows us students of all ages working unabashedly with teachers who have adopted such new methods as the "whole language" approach and writing across the curriculum. Removed from the austerity of drills and rote that characterized earlier teaching, students can use language to create, express their thoughts, and retain new concepts. The classroom case studies become repetitive and somewhat tedious; the apparent view of writing as a panacea to all learning barriers is unconvincing; and there is no clear distinction between methods of teaching in the lower and upper grades. But "What Can I correction: In the July issue we incorrectly listed the title of Daniel Lauber's book. The correct title is The Compleat Guide to Finding Jobs in Government. It is available from Planning Communications. Do?", a comprehensive chapter of advice to parents, is one of this book's gleaming qualities.
- Bibi S. Thompson, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1989 Reed Business Information, Inc.