By Paula Denton, EdD

Language may be a teacher’s most powerful tool. Every day the words, phrases, tone, and pace you use have the power to help students develop self-control, build their sense of belonging, and gain skills and knowledge.

This book, by an author with more than twenty years of experience teaching children and educators, will help you recognize the influence your words have on the children you teach. It will show you how to use language more skillfully, building a classroom where students feel safe, respected, appreciated, and excited about learning. Read an adapted excerpt

Full of practical tips, real life anecdotes, and concrete examples, this warm and thought- provoking guide includes specific suggestions about language to adopt and language to avoid. Topics include:

• using language to help children envision success
• open-ended questions that stretch children's thinking
• listening and using silence skillfully
• the 3 Rs of teacher language: reinforcing, reminding, and redirecting
• saying what you mean and meaning what you say
• giving brief, concrete instructions
• offering meaningful, specific encouragement

The sensible approach this book advocates is backed by research and proven through decades of successful practice in elementary classrooms nationwide. It offers ideas beginners can try immediately and a wealth of guidance and support for those farther along in the process of changing their language.

Generous in its practical examples, The Power of Our Words also clarifies the principles behind using constructive language in the classroom. The book calls on us to remember that teaching is not a monologue, but a dialogue.

— Carol Ann Tomlinson, EdD, professor of Leadership, Foundations & Policy, The University of Virginia