Pranikoff describes the practical ways teachers can give students repeated, guided practice in the steps that are necessary to deepen comprehension, from determining which ideas about a text to pursue and which to discard, to developing a process of lingering with a thought to foster a rich interpretation. As students become the meaning makers, the teacher takes the role of conversational coach, providing room for reflection and allowing the class to learn from each conversation. Over time, students can generalize understandings and develop a process they can use, independently, to think and talk their way through any text. The book is set up as a practical guide to make the most of the talk that is already part of the classroom and increase its potential for learning. It is grounded in experiences from a variety of settings and stems from joyful and intriguing conservation shes had with students and teachers over the years. Six chapters are: learning how to listen; developing independent ideas through partner talk; applying partner-talk strategies in the larger group; helping students become better talkers; guiding students to become deeper thinkers; the power of talk. Annotation 2017 Ringgold, Inc., Portland, OR (protoview.com)
