The Book Whisperer
Donalyn Miller was a 6th grade language arts teacher in Texas who is said to have a “gift": She can turn even the most reluctant (or, in her words, “dormant”) readers into students who can’t put their books down. This blog is no longer being updated.
Education
Opinion
NCTE: High School Readers and Writers
Donalyn Miller learns how Penny Kittle and Jeff Wilhelm motivate high school students to read and write.
Education
Opinion
Peace it Forward
Just left a pretty interesting session: Engaging the Community Through Photovoice
Education
Opinion
It's a Ning Thing
In a session on engaging students in online literary responses, there were some interesting discussion points about the use of blogs for fostering literary interpretations (ie, students read To Kill a Mockingbird while writing personal blogs about their social world). During this two-part session, of particular interest was researcher Richard Beach, University of Minnesota, and the use of Nings for adopting online role play. You can find him on the NCTE Ning.
Education
Opinion
NCTE: Intellectual Freedom
I just left a panel discussion on censorship and YA literature with Lauren Myracle, Jay Asher, and David Leviathan, authors whose books have been censored for exploring topics like suicide, puberty, and sexual identity. Each author described their experiences with censorship and their impassioned beliefs about intellectual freedom, the rights of readers, and the need for bookstores, classrooms, and libraries to provide access to books. Considering those educators who censor books on order to protect their careers, Leviathan remarked, "What is the point of keeping your job if you are not doing your job?"
Education
Opinion
Opening Sessions- National Council of Teachers of English
Donalyn Miller stalks authors at NCTE.
Education
Opinion
There's a Buzz in The Air...
After a private bus tour on the NCTE shuttle from the hotel to the massive Philly Convention Center (also hosting this weekend's marathon--about his busy-ness today the security guard at the door said, "They're getting their money's worth."), I have finally arrived. The place is packed, teeming with teachers from everywhere...
Education
Opinion
Stay Tuned...
Good morning, readers. This is Elizabeth Rich, editor of Education Week Teacher. As Donalyn mentioned, I will be sharing her blog while she and I report to you from NCTE.
Education
Opinion
Live Blogging at NCTE
This week, I am heading off to the National Council of Teachers of English Annual Convention in Philadelphia. My colleague from teachermagazine.org, Elizabeth Rich, and I will be live-blogging from the convention. I look forward to seeing keynote speakers like Julie Andrews, visiting presentations by notable literacy leaders like Jim Burke and Kelly Gallagher, and stalking my favorite authors!
Education
Opinion
Reading Rut
Donalyn Miller discusses her recent reading rut and how she motivates herself and her students to read out of their comfort zones.
Education
Opinion
English Companion Ning
The Book Whisperer meets the world's largest English department.
Education
Opinion
Banned Book Week
In observance of Banned Book Week, the Book Whisperer offers advice and resources for preventing book challenges in the classroom.