Shaping Literate Minds: Developing Self-Regulated Learners - Softcover

Dorn, Linda; Soffos, Carla

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1571103384 ISBN 13: 9781571103383

Publisher: Routledge, 2001

Synopsis

"This is a book about problem solving--an internal tool that shapes the cognitive development of young readers and writers. At the same time, it is a book about the role of the teacher and the curriculum in structuring problem-solving opportunities. It is a book that advocates for schools to create intellectual environments that make literate thinking a top priority for children. Finally, it is a book that presents teaching and learning as collaborative processes between many people with a common goal--literacy for children." -- from the Introduction

How can teachers create a literacy curriculum that builds processing links between reading, writing, and spelling knowledge? In Shaping Literate Minds, Linda J. Dorn and Carla Soffos illustrate how processing theory can be applied to the everyday practices of classroom teaching.

If instruction emphasizes the interrelationships of these three language areas, students learn how to transfer knowledge, skills, and strategies across literacy events. This is complex theory, but the authors provide clear and practical examples to support teachers as they incorporate these ideas into their classroom practices.

Grounded in authentic experiences from primary classrooms, this book provides: explanations of processing behaviors among reading, writing, and spelling knowledge; observational tools that support teachers in noticing changes over time in specific literacy behaviors; guidance on creating conditions for developing self-regulated learners; authentic reading and writing samples and teacher/student interactions; figures and pictures that clearly describe how teachers can use assessment to inform and guide instruction, with links to national standards; details for establishing a school-based literacy model that includes team meetings, assessment walls, high standards, and a curriculum for literacy; appendixes with reproducible assessment checklists, report cards, task cards for literacy corners, and guided reading observation forms for team meetings.

With a national emphasis on accountability, high standards, and literacy achievement, Shaping Literate Minds will help teachers and administrators implement a high-quality literacy curriculum that links to national and state goals.

About this title

About the Author

Linda Dorn is a professor of reading education at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, where she is the director of the UALR Center for Literacy. She teaches graduate classes in literacy theory, research, classroom practice, and literacy leadership.

She has twenty seven years of experience in education, including teaching at the elementary, intermediate, and college levels. Linda is the primary developer and lead trainer of the Partnerships in Comprehensive Literacy Model, a nationally recognized model that uses literacy coaches as agents of change. She has worked with many school districts across the United States and she has collaborated with several state departments on comprehensive literacy initiatives.

She believes that school-embedded professional development is critical for supporting teachers in new learning. "The schools described in all our books use this approach for improving classroom instruction and student achievement. Our teachers use book clubs, literacy team meetings, and professional study groups."

When writing a book, Linda's goal is to mesh theory and practice into a readable text. "I enjoy writing with my coauthor, Carla Soffos, who is also my friend and teaching colleague. We have developed a great working relationship."

Linda is a native of Tennessee and received her Ph.D. in reading from Texas Women's University. She is married with three children, two stepdaughters, and five grandchildren.

Synopsis

Discusses a method of literacy instruction that unites reading, writing, and spelling knowledge.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 1571103384
• ISBN 13: 9781571103383
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 158