The Power of Our Words 2nd Ed

This book has informed my teaching so much. This one, and love and logic.

Excellent book as part of Responsive Classroom and the importance of teacher language.

As a classroom teacher in inner city schools for 8 years, I have found myself immersed in school cultures which were disrespectful and authoritarian toward parents and students. This book presents a different approach to the teacher's role as a catalyst for learning. Well-grounded in pedagogical theory, it is pragmatic in its descriptions of how language that encourages motivation and responsibility might sound. For example, one area the book addresses well is the delivery of reinforcement. I have always felt that nonspecific praise such as "good job" didn't really help students understand what it was about their academic or behavioral improvement that merited recognition. It made me uncomfortable that feedback in this form made students dependent on my approval and tethered them to my judgment alone. This book helped me understand how I can clearly communicate evidence of growth to the student so that he or she can perceive that success. In "The Power of Our Words," Denton helps teachers envision how they can communicate with students in ways which promote personal and intellectual engagement. She offers supportive suggestions to help teachers figure out how they might change their own style of language. Finally, the book inspires the hope that as we hone the clarity of our messages in classroom speech, we will be more efficacious in helping students become autonomous, reflective, and motivated learners. I believe that is a major key to closing the achievement gap.

This book should be required reading for all teachers and anyone else who work with young people. In depth examples of why we need to be conscious and deliberate in how we speak to our students further encourages the reader to put this books teachings into practice. This is my second copy of this book. (I referenced my first copy so often it’s falling apart) I highly recommend this book.

As a teacher , this has helped a lot. This book definitely has some great techniques that go against the obvious approaches! would definitely recommend for any teachers in the making!

I'm a first year 4th grade teacher and reading this leading up to this year was super helpful! I'd suggest getting your highlighter and notepad out for this one because there are so many practical tips, thoughtful action plans, and insightful stories in this book that you'll want to remember and use day to day! The outline of the book is simple and fun, full of relatable stories to examine and helpful reminders to find success for yourself and your students. 5 stars!

Bought as a gift. I cannot evaluate

This book is amazing. I've taught middle school for a while and after a couple of parent complaints about my communication style, I figured I would look at what I'm saying to kids and how I'm saying it. I thought I was being honest and helpful, but I was coming across as just mean, which was never my intention. This book has opened my eyes and given me ideas about how to talk to my classes. Many of the mistakes discussed in the book where things I learned in college. Changing my words will be a process, but it'll be worth it.

Lot's of food for thought!