Tell
Me with The Reading Environment
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Tell
Me offers practical information underpinned by clearly
explained theory about book-talking in the classroom,
explaining some of the processes and outlining the ground
rules developed by experienced practitioners. A Framework
has been formulated, 'a repertoire of questions that assist
readers in speaking about their reading'.
With
any group of readers we find that if they begin by sharing
their most obvious observations they soon accumulate a
body of understanding that reveals the heart of the text
and its meaning(s) for them all. Even when quite complicated
or abstract ideas are approached in this way (through
story images and talked-out interpretations) there is
little that even young children cannot grasp. In this
activity there is a balance to be found between respect
for the rights of the individual as a reader and a talker
and the corporately composed reading of the group - the
community text which is always more complex and insightful
than one individual reading can ever be.
But
to be most effective 'Tell Me' booktalk must be supported
by the environment in which it is practised. This is explained
in the first part of the book:
The
Reading Environment describes, with many practical
examples, the surroundings and attitudes that support
pupils' encounters with books in school, enabling them
to become thoughtful, willing readers, who enjoy reading.
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The
chapters include: |
1
Introduction |
2
The Reading Circle: |
Selection,
'reading', time, place |
response,
the enabling adult |
3
The Set and the Setting |
4
Reading Areas |
5
Displays |
6
Browsing |
7
Reading Time |
How
often, how long; USSR |
8
Keeping Track |
9
Storytelling: |
Where
it begins; |
choosing
and preparing stories |
10
Reading Aloud: |
Learning
how it goes, the drama of print, |
'difficulty',
stimulating choice, being together, |
the
difference from storytelling, taking time |
11
Reading and the Brain |
12
Star Performers: |
Choosing
the guest, making the approach, |
on
the day, making the most of a visit |
13
Friends & Peers: |
Graffiti
boards, magazines & blogs |
selection
panels, displays, reading clubs |
pupil
organisers |
14
Helping to Choose: |
By-the-way
conversation, 'try these', |
booklists,
mix and match, raising expectations |
15
Response: |
For
the author', works of art, anthologies |
acting
it out, book making |
16
Books in a Digital Age |
17
The Enabling Adult |
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Originally
published as separate editions in 1991 and 1993, Tell Me
& The Reading Environment are among the most widely read
and successful, practically-based books available about
literary education. They have been translated into nine
languages with editions specially adapted for the USA, published
by Stenhouse Publishers. For this combined edition the text
has been updated, revised, and redesigned. |
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Tell
Me with The Reading Environment
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Thimble
Press, 2011
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ISBN978-0903355-54-4
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The
separate American editions are available from
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All
contents are ©Aidan Chambers unless otherwise
stated.
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