Reading With Purpose: Selecting and Using Children's Literature for Inquiry and Engagement

Reading With Purpose is a book that provides a framework and teaching ideas for using recently released children's and young adult literature to build a culture of inquiry and engagement from a text-first approach. It is organized according to four purposes for selecting and using literature: care for ourselves and one another, connect with the past to understand the present, closely observe the world around us, and cultivate critical consciousness. Each chapter includes classroom stories, accessible research, reasons for why this matters now, and criteria for selecting for this purpose.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2023
Publisher: Teachers' College Press

From the acclaimed authors of the widely popular blog and invaluable resource for educators, The Classroom Bookshelf, comes this groundbreaking book, offering a comprehensive framework and innovative teaching ideas for leveraging recently released children's and young adult literature to foster a culture of inquiry and engagement through a text-first approach. Designed to empower K–8 teachers to tap into their inner reader, make deliberate text selections for their students, and create joyful and purposeful literacy learning experiences, Reading With Purpose is a transformative guide for educators seeking to elevate their teaching practice.

At the core of this book, the heart is meticulously organized according to four compelling purposes for selecting and utilizing literature: caring for ourselves and one another, connecting with the past to understand the present, closely observing the world around us, and cultivating critical consciousness. Each chapter is brimming with classroom stories, accessible research, compelling reasons for why this matters in today's world, and rigorous criteria for selecting literature that aligns with these purposes. Additionally, a final section provides teaching invitations that seamlessly pair with suggested books but can also be adapted to any high-quality book teachers may already have in their classrooms.

Here are some of the remarkable features of this book:

• Builds on the groundbreaking work of thought leaders, encouraging teachers to establish their own reading identities and empower their students to do the same.
• Presents a simple yet sustainable framework that teachers and teacher educators can immediately adopt to make more purposeful text selections.
• Offers a wealth of teaching ideas, captivating narrative anecdotes from diverse classrooms, student work samples, and thought-provoking reflective questions.
• Provides a comprehensive list of recommended, recently published children's and young adult literature that aligns with the themes and objectives of the book.

By embracing the power of literature and employing the strategies outlined in Reading With Purpose, educators can create engaging, meaningful, and impactful learning experiences for their students. Whether they are exploring historical events, exploring diverse perspectives, or cultivating critical thinking skills, this book provides the tools and inspiration needed to inspire a love for reading and empower students to become lifelong learners.

So, whether you are a seasoned teacher or a newcomer to the field, Reading With Purpose is a must-have resource that will empower you to unlock the full potential of literature in your classroom. Embrace the power of reading, ignite your students' curiosity, and watch as they embark on a journey of discovery and growth.

Dimension: 235 x 162 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780807768518