by Michael Trokan
Rethinking Schools Press has announced the publication of a new book by nationally renowned teacher and writer Linda Christensen — Teaching for Joy and Justice: Re-imagining the Language Arts Classroom. It combines concrete, hands-on advice with inspiration, hope and joy. As Christensen writes in her introduction, the book begins “with the non-negotiable belief that all students are capable of brilliance.”
Text Book Gets It
Christensen’s 287-page book covers all aspects of the language arts curriculum, from reading and understanding literature, to writing poetry, narratives, and essays. She also helps her students understand the inherent relationship between language and power, and provides guidance for teachers on complicated topics such as grading student work.Part curriculum guide, part autobiography, part critique of standardized mandates, Teaching for Joy and Justice is based on Christensen’s more than 30 years experience as a classroom teacher, language arts specialist, and teacher educator. It combines examples of how to teach for social justice with heart-stopping excerpts from student writing.
“Linda Christensen gets it,” says Pedro Noguera, a professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning at New York University. “Christensen provides practical advice to teachers with an understanding that when our students learn to write, they experience a sense of joy and fulfillment.” Φ
Michael Trokan submitted this information from Rethinking Schools. By using this special promo code 5BTEFO5, you can purchase copies of Teaching for Joy and Justice for $14.95 — $5.00 off the list price. Call 800.669.4192 or visit www.rethinkingschools.org/publication/tfjj/tfjj.shtml.
Photo: http://www.rethinkingschools.org/publication/tfjj/tfjj.shtml.