Dr. Christine Mallinson has recently co-authored a new book, We Do Language:
English Language Variation in the Secondary English Classroom (Teachers College
Press, 2014).
The publisher’s website notes, “We Do Language builds on the authors' highly acclaimed
first collaboration, Understanding English Language Variation in U.S.
Schools, and examines the need to integrate linguistically informed
teaching into the secondary English classroom. The book meets three critical
goals for preparing English educators to ensure the academic success of their
students. First, the book helps educators acquire a greater knowledge of
language variation so they may teach their students to analyze the social,
cultural, and linguistic dimensions of the texts they read in class. Second,
the chapters provide specific information about language varieties that
students bring with them to school so that educators can better assist students
in developing the literacy skills necessary for the Common Core State
Standards. Third, the text empowers educators to build their linguistic
awareness so they may more fully understand, respect, and meet the needs of
culturally and linguistically diverse students. We Do Language features concrete strategies, models, and vignettes, as well as classroom materials developed by English educators for English educators. It is essential reading for anyone interested in learning about the role that language plays in the experiences of students, both in secondary and postsecondary environments.”
Professor
Shirley Brice Heath of Stanford University writes in an endorsement to the
book, “Full of advice and support
for walking hand-in-hand with students into imaginative ways of understanding
the realities of language variation, this book is pure joy for teachers and
college counselors. Even more important is the guarantee that when these educators embrace the humanity and philosophy so touchingly illustrated by the authors, the intrigue of thinking deeply about speaking, writing, and reading is sure to follow for students."
To find the book on Amazon, please visit: http://amzn.to/1cZY0fH