Conferences & Conversations: Listening to the Literate Classroom

Conferences & Conversations provides an inside look at Linda in action as she establishes goals, teaches, learns, triumphs, and occasionally stumbles in her efforts to extend her students' literacy. Through Linda's actions, you will discover how a teacher can:

• offer students more freedom to think, talk, and create and at the same time create a classroom that is organized, efficient, and in control
• set up your classroom and procedures in ways that promote better, more effective conversations among students
• move beyond formulaic practices and routines that inhibit individualized and productive conferences
• become a better listener and encourage more student talk in conferences
• encourage students to work productively on their own, while you confer with other students.