Why are some sentences stronger than others? What makes a sentence powerful? What are the subtle but important differences that a single word can make? Maybe you'll inspire some word-based debates as you nudge along fluency and language skills.
Tag: language
A Few Questions for Peter H. Johnston + a Book Giveaway
I've learned the importance of communicating clearly with students through the Responsive Classroom training I've had and books I've read about teacher-talk. One book that resonated with me several years ago was Choice Words: How Our Language Affects Children's Learning by Peter H. Johnston. In his book, Johnston made me think deeply about the words… Continue reading A Few Questions for Peter H. Johnston + a Book Giveaway
Say What You Mean: Part One
One September, I was creating a chart with my students about the things good writers do. They said things like "good writers write long and strong" and "they add details." I was initially impressed. These kids seemed to know some of the things it took to be a strong writer. But then, I conferred with… Continue reading Say What You Mean: Part One
The Language We Use When We Teach
I attended a workshop with Peter H. Johnston, Author of Choice Words, over two years ago. He spoke a lot about the language we use when we teach. A lot of what he said stuck. Couple the Johnston Workshop with a week-long Responsive Classroom Training Institute and I have to admit that I needed to… Continue reading The Language We Use When We Teach