Letters November/December 2006

Reading paleontology
The "Reading Dinosaurs" article in the August/September 2006 issue (Maryann Manning's "Celebrations in Reading & Writing" column) was especially powerful for me as a second grade teacher. As a former Reading Recovery teacher, I see and read a lot about the present push for decodable books as a popular reading tool. I get frustrated at times because of the fine background I was given through my Reading Recovery training. It really addresses learning/teaching for all the disciplines.

Your expertise and fabulous articles encourage me and always teach me something I can improve on.
Cathy Bogart
via e-mail

Student resource
I am studying to be an elementary school teacher. This magazine has given me so many wonderful ideas and articles. I absolutely loved the Children's Books by the Month pullout section in the August/ September 2006 issue. I also enjoy reading the articles about center ideas and different ways to make your classroom safe, fun and educational. I really enjoy the whole magazine from cover to cover.
Lindsay Duke
Huntsville, TX

August/September accolades
While other issues are always splendid, the August/September 2006 issue just burst forth! The layout and visual appeal was sensational. It was the most enticing, inspiring collection of pieces, from Allen Raymond's description of "when everything works" ("Publisher's Memo"); to Peter Cookson's exhortation to drawing the class into a sense of collective identity and to being a visionary ("Your First Year"); to inviting product reviews ("Teaching Talks"); to the Jack Prelutsky profile ("A Poetry Workshop in Print"); to lots of practical advice, from websites to how to's to tips for dealing creatively and productively with change; to the beautifully written Ian Falconer feature; to the gorgeous but oh-so-practical pull-out feature, Children's Books by the Month, and more and more!

I was so inspired I ordered two subscriptions, one for my former teaching sidekick and one for the school librarian – the library already has a subscription but I thought she should have a second one to put right into a teacher's hands.
Barbara Pontecorvo
via e-mail

Character education is contagious
The article about Brigantine Elementary (August/September 2006, "It Takes a Child...") was very interesting and inspiring. I plan to contact them for details on some of their programs. The "Kindness Is Contagious" program is something we need to pursue and I plan to try to kick it off at my school. Thanks again for some really useful information.
Walter Harris
via e-mail

Surprise package
Thank you so much for the surprise gift of the set of Olivia books. (Lucky Subscriber, "Ian Falconer and Olivia," August/September 2006). I just started teaching, and I can't wait to read them to my kindergarten children and tell them how much I thank Teaching K-8 and Ian Falconer for these wonderful books.
Kiwi Yang
New York, NY

November/December, 2006, Vol.37, No.3