Lifetime Guarantees : Toward Ambitious Literacy Teaching

By Shelley Harwayne

Imagine a school where students don't just learn to read and write-they choose to read and write, and do it with enthusiasm. Performing with distinction on standardized literacy tests, they are participants in a learning community characterized by academic rigor, a supportive social tone, stunning classrooms, and exemplary teaching. This is the kind of learning environment Shelley Harwayne has helped to establish at the Manhattan New School. Now, in a lucid and engaging new book, she takes us behind the scenes to explore the teaching techniques that have resulted in such dazzling success. Readers will discover how to provide students with real-world reasons to write and engage them in effective writing workshops. There are also suggestions on how the entire school culture can support the teaching of poetry and nonfiction. Readers will learn about the importance of having non-negotiables in the teaching of reading, designing beautiful literacy settings, and providing safety nets for struggling students. A natural companion to Going Public, this book can also serve as a conversation starter at faculty meetings as it is studded with staff development ideas and reproducible materials. Above all, the literacy message in this book will comfort those who have grown anxious about the literacy work they do. Shelley's tone, ideas, and sense of humor will offer information, inspiration, and peace of mind to educators new to the field as well as experienced professionals who are weary when they read yet another negative story about the teaching of literacy in our country.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 032500241X
• ISBN13: 9780325002415
• Release Date: March 2000
• Publisher: Heinemann Educational Books
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 7.8" x 8.8"
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 5

Customer Reviews

Building a community through literacy

Shelley Harwayne has given all of us an opportunity to spend a little time in the wonderful school environment she and her staff members have created at The Manhattan New School. She says; "Writing improves the quality of life in a school.." and shows us that an administrator who values literacy can set the stage for a nurturing community and empower students to be truly literate. If you are a principal or staff developer, Shelley provides practical examples of how to make your school a place where it can confidently be said that the staff can offer students and families a LIFETIME GUARANTEE that claims, "Your children will not just learn how to read and write. They will choose to read and write. Now and forever." What greater promise can we educators make?

Terrific!

A perfect companion to Shelley Harwayne's 'going public' book. I enjoyed this one even more because Ms. Harwayne really delves into how to create a literacy environment suited to each child and her/his needs. I would hearily recommend this book to all educators looking to enhance their classrooms--not only the environment but their classroom practices as well. Congratulations on a fabulous resource!