Lifetime Guarantees: Toward Ambitious Literacy Teaching

Imagine a school where students don't just learn to read and write-they choose to read and write, and do it with enthusiasm. Performing with distinction on standardized literacy tests, they are participants in a learning community characterized by academic rigor, a supportive social tone, stunning classrooms, and exemplary teaching. This is the kind of learning environment Shelley Harwayne has helped to establish at the Manhattan New School. Now, in a lucid and engaging new book, she takes us behind the scenes to explore the teaching techniques that have resulted in such dazzling success.

Readers will discover how to provide students with real-world reasons to write and engage them in effective writing workshops. There are also suggestions on how the entire school culture can support the teaching of poetry and nonfiction. Readers will learn about the importance of having non-negotiables in the teaching of reading, designing beautiful literacy settings, and providing safety nets for struggling students. A natural companion to Going Public, this book can also serve as a conversation starter at faculty meetings as it is studded with staff development ideas and reproducible materials.

Above all, the literacy message in this book will comfort those who have grown anxious about the literacy work they do. Shelley's tone, ideas, and sense of humor will offer information, inspiration, and peace of mind to educators new to the field as well as experienced professionals who are weary when they read yet another negative story about the teaching of literacy in our country.

Shelley Harwayne was affiliated with the New York City public schools for more than thirty years as a teacher, staff developer, codirector of the Teachers College Writing Project, founding principal of the Manhattan New School, and superintendent of District #2 in New York City. She has worked as a consultant and keynote speaker throughout the world and has published numerous books and videos with Heinemann including Learning to Confer (2004), Writing Through Childhood (2001), Lifetime Guarantees (2000), Going Public (1999), Lasting Impressions (1992), Living Between the Lines (1990), and The Writing Workshop: a World of Difference (1987). In addition, Shelley has published two children's books: Jewels and What's Cooking?.