Lucy McCormick Calkins

A bit pandering to the Common Core. Also, I wish it gave better insight into how to merge CCSS with current curriculums instead of constantly repeating, "Don't worry, you can just work this into your current curriculum instead of re-writing the whole thing!" It was a bit dry and repetitive as well, though it does clear up some common misconceptions (that CCSS basically does away with the reading and writing of literature, most notably).

Lessons From a Child is a non-fiction book that reads like a novel. If you have any interest whatsoever in writing (and not necessarily teaching writing), I'd wholeheartedly suggest this book. I lost track of how much of the book I underlined in hopes of incorporating the teaching methods spoken of into my own writing process. Though the book may seem like it'd be a little outdated (1983), it still fully applies to teaching and writing as it stands today! Not only inspiring, but a wonderful show more read that sucks you into the story line. show less

Calkins describes the model of teaching writing through a writer's workshop. This is, perhaps not surprisingly, one of the most well-written books on teaching that I've read. It is full of examples and very inspiring as an ideal, although I always had a hard time putting it into practice, even with all the concrete suggestions.

My Asst Principal gave this to our curriculum team to read over the summer. As she handed it to me, she said it was an easy read, just some 'lite summer reading.' I wouldn't classify it that way at all. It was a good book in that it helped me to review the new reading CCSS. But, it frustrated me because the authors kept repeating that changes needed to be made, yet they offered very few ways to make changes, saying that it was up to the schools and districts to decide how to make changes to show more meet the standards. Also, I couldn't help but question their bias as several times they touted their own work (ie books they'd written) and websites. show less