Listen to the Children: From Focused Observation to Strategic Instruction

Kids say the darndest things and Jane Fraser knows how to make the most out of what they reveal. She's listened intently to children's comments and questions, observed their attitudes and behaviors, and gained invaluable insights into their thinking. Most important, Fraser has developed strategies that make these revelations useful in teaching. Her book offers ways to use focused observation to help you plan thoughtful, effective instruction and curriculum for your students. Fraser quotes children and extends their thinking into the teaching/learning domain with many simple, practical suggestions. Ideas for strategic instruction include how to: record observations of students help students to modify self-defeating behavior assist students to work productively in groups ease the problems that develop in partner work overcome implicit assumptions with clear, explicit teaching help beginning readers join the literacy club pace and evaluate a read-aloud Diversify instruction in the writing workshop. The recommended strategies can be implemented in a variety of situations, grade levels, and teaching environments. In addition, numerous lively stories and visits to incredible classrooms will encourage you to reflect on your own ways of living and learning with your students.