The Power of Our Words: Teacher Language that Helps Children Learn (Paperback)

by Paula Denton (Author), Alice Yang (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"The Power of Our Words" should become a required resource for all classroom teachers regardless of the number of years they have taught. It is well organized and a pleasure to read. This book has been needed for a long time. --Richard Spindler-Virgin, founding director, Regional Multicultural Magnet School, New London, Connecticut

Generous in its practical examples, "The Power of Our Words" also clarifies the principles behind using constructive language in the classroom. The book calls on us to remember that teaching is not a monologue, but a dialogue. --Carol Ann Tomlinson, EdD, professor of Leadership, Foundations & Policy, The University of Virginia

This book is filled with stories and examples for using words effectively to deal with just about every challenging situation you can think of. It is a wonderful guide for teachers on how their choice of words and tone of voice can make the difference between encouragement and discouragement for children. --Jane Nelsen, EdD, author of the Positive Discipline series of books

Product Description
Language may be a teacher's most powerful tool. Every day the words, phrases, tone, and pace you use have the power to help students develop self-control, build their sense of belonging, and gain skills and knowledge. This book, by an author with more than twenty years of experience teaching children and educators, will help you recognize the influence your words have on the children you teach. It will show you how to use language more skillfully, building a classroom where students feel safe, respected, appreciated, and excited about learning. Full of practical tips, real life anecdotes, and concrete examples, this warm and thought-provoking guide includes specific suggestions about language to adopt and language to avoid. Topics include: using language to help children envision success; open-ended questions that stretch children's thinking; listening and using silence skillfully; the 3 Rs of teacher language: reinforcing, reminding, and redirecting; saying what you mean and meaning what you say; giving brief, concrete instructions; offering meaningful, specific encouragement. The sensible approach this book advocates is backed by research and proven through decades of successful practice in elementary classrooms nationwide. It offers ideas beginners can try immediately and a wealth of guidance and support for those farther along in the process of changing their language.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 172 pages
• Publisher: Northeast Foundation for Children, Inc. (February 19, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1892989182
• ISBN-13: 978-1892989185
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #7,253 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One key to closing the achievement gap: efficacious language, July 25, 2007

By	Jo Ann Warner "reading advocate" (Berkeley, CA United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

As a classroom teacher in inner city schools for 8 years, I have found myself immersed in school cultures which were disrespectful and authoritarian toward parents and students. This book presents a different approach to the teacher's role as a catalyst for learning. Well-grounded in pedagogical theory, it is pragmatic in its descriptions of how language that encourages motivation and responsibility might sound. For example, one area the book addresses well is the delivery of reinforcement. I have always felt that nonspecific praise such as "good job" didn't really help students understand what it was about their academic or behavioral improvement that merited recognition. It made me uncomfortable that feedback in this form made students dependent on my approval and tethered them to my judgment alone. This book helped me understand how I can clearly communicate evidence of growth to the student so that he or she can perceive that success. In "The Power of Our Words," Denton helps teachers envision how they can communicate with students in ways which promote personal and intellectual engagement. She offers supportive suggestions to help teachers figure out how they might change their own style of language. Finally, the book inspires the hope that as we hone the clarity of our messages in classroom speech, we will be more efficacious in helping students become autonomous, reflective, and motivated learners. I believe that is a major key to closing the achievement gap.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Enhancing Classroom Communication with Paula Denton's The Power of Our Words, May 19, 2008

By	LCMCNAUGHTON (Calgary, Alberta) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Paula Denton's book has proved immensely helpful for me in my work coaching teachers to reflect on and enhance their teaching practice. Her suggestions for refining teacher language are practical and immediately accessible for both experienced and "rookie" teachers. I highly recommend this book to teachers who want to improve their communication, interaction, classroom management and relationships with students and colleagues.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the most useful books in my library., February 27, 2008

By	M. Tyner - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I bought this book three weeks ago and I find it one of the most useful books I own. It is written well and packed with practical ways to create a positive learning environment.