Talking Points - Volume 18, Issue 1, 2006

Prisca Martens and Bess Altwerger introduce the articles in this issue of Talking Points and encourage readers to attend the 2007 Literacies for All Summer Institute

Pamela Stockinger and Michelle Tharpe take us into Michelle’s first-grade classroom, where we observe the children in rich literacy events, reading and writing for real purposes. Michelle provides meaningful contexts for learning, meets her students at their point of need, and observes them as they respond and grow.

Catherine Maderazo discusses her decision to move her son from a charter school that is unexpectedly focused on student performance to a public school where children are treated as individuals and encouraged to question and explore.

Steven Strauss, a linguist and practicing neurologist, critiques the theory and science behind Sally Shaywitz’s research on reading and the brain that has so strongly influenced federal reading policies, and finds it lacking.

Mara Casey and Steve Hemenway revisit their article from the May 2006 issue of Talking Points, “What Students Want Writing Teachers to Know: A Readers Theatre Based on Longitudinal Listening, Grades 3–12.” They solicit and report on comments from many of the original participants to the study, who provide us with significant insights regarding the teaching of writing.

Rick Meyer reflects on past conferences of the Whole Language Umbrella and discusses the energy and sense of commitment that he gets from attending.

Jerome Harste and Christine Leland review the children’s book Once upon an Ordinary School Day and discuss three instructional strategies that can be used to delve deeper into the book using a critical literacy perspective. They say that it’s not the book itself that is critical, but rather what you do with it.

Caryl Crowell introduces us to Tucson TAWL, both the group’s history and its current activities

President’s Message Talking TAWL Call for New Talking Points Editor WLU Board News WLU Membership InformationMichael Muise, president of WLU, and other members of the WLU Board update readers on the Board’s activities. Membership information is also included.