Talking Points, Vol. 19, No. 1, October 2007

Table of Contents

• From the Editors

  James Wygant and Edie Lanphar

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  Abstract: James Wygant and Edie Lanphar, the new editors of Talking Points, introduce their first issue, the theme of which is “Literacies for a Just and Sustainable World.”

  Keywords: Elementary

• From Visions to Actions: Using Readers Theatre to Critically Engage Multilingual Readers

  Kristin Lahurd, Katie Van Sluys, and Kellie Chavira

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  Abstract: Kellie Chavira’s first teaching job is in a bilingual second-grade classroom in Chicago. As a way of focusing on complex and critical definitions of literacy while still addressing the outcomes associated with guided reading expectations, Kellie undertakes a readers theatre project, which gives her students practice in decoding and fluent reading while engaging them with real issues and challenging solutions.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Bridging the Gap: Three Perspectives on Teaching YA Lit for a Just and Sustainable World

  Claudia Eppert, Keri Beth S. Ethridge, and Jackie Bach

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  Abstract: This article considers three perspectives of a research study conducted with seventh-grade students during a unit on social justice and social change. The authors examine the possibilities and limitations of using young adult literature like Carl Hiaasen’s novel Flush, on which the unit was centered, community service learning, and approaches to teaching for a just and sustainable world. Informed by students’ responses to this unit, the authors offer suggestions for bridging the gaps between school mission and practice, narrative and real-life experience, and educational theory and practice.

  Keywords: Elementary

• Teacher Fiction: Move On

  Corinne O'Shaughnessy

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  Abstract: In Talking Points’ first published piece of teacher fiction, Corinne O’Shaughnessy offers vignettes from the lives of several students and a look at the concerns and doubts of new teacher Ned, who’s not sure he has anything to offer them.

  Keywords: Elementary

• WLU on the Move!

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  Abstract: WLU President Katie Van Sluys updates members on the organization’s news and events; there is also information on WLU membership and next year’s Literacies for All Summer Institute.

  Keywords: Elementary

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