About the Book
This book is part of Pam Allyn's highly popular Core Ready series, a dynamic series of books that gives educators critical tools for navigating the Common Core Standards effectively, fluidly, and successfully. Using the information presented in the series, educators see how to take complex concepts related to the standards and turn them into practical, specific, everyday lessons. The books address the needs of all learners, including ELL and special needs diverse learners, and cover the uses of technology and new media. The Journey to Meaning: Comprehension and Critique helps cultivate students who think deeply about the meaning of what they read and use skills and strategies with purpose and flexibility. The practical lesson sets included let students search text and illustrations for key ideas and details, ask and answer questions, and make connections and draw inferences using evidence from their reading. Students get the opportunity to explore the elements of fiction and cite evidence to support their thinking about character, setting, plot and point of view. With this book as a guide student see how to:
Use quality literature as their inspiration to create their own fiction and personal narrative stories in a variety of literary genres.
Develop character, setting, and events, adding details and visuals to strengthen meaning and imagery.
Write to convey their own point of view and that of imaginary characters in their stories.
Share their writing and thinking with others orally and/or using appropriate tools and technologies.
About the Author :
Pam Allyn is an authority in the field of literacy education and an expert in home and school literacy connections. As a renowned motivational speaker, expert consultant, author, teacher, and humanitarian for children, she is transforming the way we think about literacy as a tool for communication and knowledge building. She is the executive director of LitLife, a national literacy development organization providing research-based professional development for K-12 educators. She founded and leads LitWorld, a groundbreaking global literacy initiative reaching children across the United States and in over 60 countries. Her methods for helping all students achieve as literacy learners, including the most diverse learners, has brought her acclaim both in the United States and internationally. Pam is the author of 11 books for educators and parents including the award-winning What To Read When: The Books and Stories To Read With Your Child-And All The Best Times To Read Them (Penguin Avery), Pam Allyn's Best Books for Boys (Scholastic) and Your Child's Writing Life: How to Inspire Confidence, Creativity, and Skill at Every Age (Penguin Avery). Her work has been featured on Good Morning America, The Today Show, Oprah Radio, the Huffington Post, the New York Times and across the blogosphere.
Review :
Praise for the CORE READY series: " [T]his is a great way to teach ELA . a group of teachers could use this to change their core reading program... I see this as a way to truly become a reader and writer for today s world. " -- Edward Karl Shultz, Midwestern State University " This book is so inspiring! I hope many districts adopt your program! It will change the lives of many students for the better! " -- Elizabeth Smith, Madison Elementary School (VA) " Pam Allyn s impressive book, Be Core Ready, provides practical, useful, and insightful advice on how to implement the Common Core State Standards. Her conversational tone, passion for literacy, and, above all else, her unwavering commitment to doing what is best for all learners will help educators build core strengths in every student. Multiple copies belong in every school s professional development collection. " -John Schumacher, Teacher-Librarian ""In this informative yet accessible book, Pam Allyn draws upon her extensive understanding of the Common Core State Standards and the changes they demand for literacy education to offer innovative strategies and implementation techniques that develop college and career readiness and inspire all students to become 'curators of ideas' and lifelong readers, writers, speakers, and listeners. I will definitely use the Core Ready Series in my ongoing work with teachers and city schools."" -Ernest Morrell, Teachers College, Columbia University ""An inspiring book; filled with thought-provoking insights into the Common Core standards. Pam alleviates core anxiety " by providing innovative ways to fill any gaps that may exist in your current classroom practices. She takes a look at the everyday literacy skills utilized by a variety of professionals and weaves a link down to our youngest learners. Pam's explanations of the necessary "shifts" I need to make in my teaching are user- friendly and easy to implement. I love the Colleague Conversation starters designed to open dialogue, share ideas and reflect on personal literacy experiences. I can't wait to share this uplifting resource with all of my teacher friends! " -Valerie Palacio, Grade 2 Teacher ""Let Pam Allyn help you conquer the Common Core by going to the core --the core of what readers do when truly engaged with books."" -Carol Jago, past president, National Council of Teachers of English and author of "With Rigor for All: Meeting Common Core Standards for Reading Literature" "" ""Help is here. As educators scramble to prepare themselves for the common core standards, Pam Allyn has produced what many will find to be an invaluable resource. Written in a clear, compelling and accessible manner, Allyn brings years of research on literacy and teaching to help educators respond to the higher standards created by the Common Core. By following the advice she offers and creatively applying the ideas presented, educators will find that we not only have no need to fear the Common Core but we can embrace it as a way to address the learning needs of our students."" -Pedro A. Noguera, Ph.D., Peter L. Agnew Professor of Education, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Development "
Praise for the CORE READY series: ""[T]his is a great way to teach ELA.... a group of teachers could use this to change their core reading program... I see this as a way to truly become a reader and writer for today's world.""-- Edward Karl Shultz, Midwestern State University ""This book is so inspiring! I hope many districts adopt your program! It will change the lives of many students for the better!""-- Elizabeth Smith, Madison Elementary School (VA) ""Pam Allyn's impressive book, Be Core Ready, provides practical, useful, and insightful advice on how to implement the Common Core State Standards. Her conversational tone, passion for literacy, and, above all else, her unwavering commitment to doing what is best for all learners will help educators build core strengths in every student. Multiple copies belong in every school's professional development collection."" -John Schumacher, Teacher-Librarian ""In this informative yet accessible book, Pam Allyn draws upon her extensive understanding of the Common Core State Standards and the changes they demand for literacy education to offer innovative strategies and implementation techniques that develop college and career readiness and inspire all students to become 'curators of ideas' and lifelong readers, writers, speakers, and listeners. I will definitely use the Core Ready Series in my ongoing work with teachers and city schools.""-Ernest Morrell, Teachers College, Columbia University " "An inspiring book; filled with thought-provoking insights into the Common Core standards. Pam alleviates "core anxiety " by providing innovative ways to fill any gaps that may exist in your current classroom practices. She takes a look at the everyday literacy skills utilized by a variety of professionals and weaves a link down to our youngest learners. Pam's explanations of the necessary "shifts" I need to make in my teaching are user- friendly and easy to implement. I love the Colleague Conversation starters designed to open dialogue, share ideas and reflect on personal literacy experiences. I can't wait to share this uplifting resource with all of my teacher friends!""-Valerie Palacio, Grade 2 Teacher ""Let Pam Allyn help you conquer the Common Core by going to the core --the core of what readers do when truly engaged with books.""-Carol Jago, past president, National Council of Teachers of English and author of "With Rigor for All: Meeting Common Core Standards for Reading Literature"" """Help is here. As educators scramble to prepare themselves for the common core standards, Pam Allyn has produced what many will find to be an invaluable resource. Written in a clear, compelling and accessible manner, Allyn brings years of research on literacy and teaching to help educators respond to the higher standards created by the Common Core. By following the advice she offers and creatively applying the ideas presented, educators will find that we not only have no need to fear the Common Core but we can embrace it as a way to address the learning needs of our students.""-Pedro A. Noguera, Ph.D., Peter L. Agnew Professor of Education, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Development
CORE READY LESSON SETS: 3-5 Books ""[This is an] innovative text that effectively presents reading and writing as what they truly are: vital tools that our students need in order to live successful lives. It calls upon students to become active lifelong learners and challenges them to extend their reading and writing abilities. Its lessons give students the "hands on approach" that is needed to motivate them to become effective analysts and authors.... Most importantly, all literacy skills taught in this text are presented in the same way that our students will see them in their adult lives. This book will bring life into your reading and writing workshops. This is the text that all effective teachers have been asking and waiting for."" ""I love what this book stands for academically. I love how easy it is to follow. I love how it contains everything from the pre-assessment of a skill until the final rubric. This book would allow me to spend more time teaching and less time planning/preparing. A home run for both me and my students."" -- Elizabeth Smith, Madison Elementary School (VA) ""Inspiring. Genuine. Talking from down in the trenches not from up on high. Brings the Common Core down from the rafters for a more manageable understanding."" -- Wendy Fiore, Chester Elementary School (CT) ""I would strongly recommend it to colleagues and my administration because I feel it would be a resource series that would ultimately improve the way I teach literacy. I haven't felt that way about a PD book since grad school." "-- Katie Lynn Klaus, M.S.Ed
Praise for the CORE READY series: "[T]his is a great way to teach ELA.... a group of teachers could use this to change their core reading program... I see this as a way to truly become a reader and writer for today's world." -- Edward Karl Shultz, Midwestern State University "This book is so inspiring! I hope many districts adopt your program! It will change the lives of many students for the better!" -- Elizabeth Smith, Madison Elementary School (VA) "Pam Allyn's impressive book, Be Core Ready, provides practical, useful, and insightful advice on how to implement the Common Core State Standards. Her conversational tone, passion for literacy, and, above all else, her unwavering commitment to doing what is best for all learners will help educators build core strengths in every student. Multiple copies belong in every school's professional development collection." -John Schumacher, Teacher-Librarian "In this informative yet accessible book, Pam Allyn draws upon her extensive understanding of the Common Core State Standards and the changes they demand for literacy education to offer innovative strategies and implementation techniques that develop college and career readiness and inspire all students to become 'curators of ideas' and lifelong readers, writers, speakers, and listeners. I will definitely use the Core Ready Series in my ongoing work with teachers and city schools." -Ernest Morrell, Teachers College, Columbia University "An inspiring book; filled with thought-provoking insights into the Common Core standards. Pam alleviates "core anxiety " by providing innovative ways to fill any gaps that may exist in your current classroom practices. She takes a look at the everyday literacy skills utilized by a variety of professionals and weaves a link down to our youngest learners. Pam's explanations of the necessary "shifts" I need to make in my teaching are user- friendly and easy to implement. I love the Colleague Conversation starters designed to open dialogue, share ideas and reflect on personal literacy experiences. I can't wait to share this uplifting resource with all of my teacher friends!" -Valerie Palacio, Grade 2 Teacher "Let Pam Allyn help you conquer the Common Core by going to the core --the core of what readers do when truly engaged with books." -Carol Jago, past president, National Council of Teachers of English and author of With Rigor for All: Meeting Common Core Standards for Reading Literature "Help is here. As educators scramble to prepare themselves for the common core standards, Pam Allyn has produced what many will find to be an invaluable resource. Written in a clear, compelling and accessible manner, Allyn brings years of research on literacy and teaching to help educators respond to the higher standards created by the Common Core. By following the advice she offers and creatively applying the ideas presented, educators will find that we not only have no need to fear the Common Core but we can embrace it as a way to address the learning needs of our students." -Pedro A. Noguera, Ph.D., Peter L. Agnew Professor of Education, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Development
