Room 124

 Reading with Meaning
 by Debbie Miller
 Stenhouse Publishers

This is a book I wish I’d read 9 years ago.  It’s not that I was unfamiliar with any of the concepts she described.  Strategies that Work is a staple for my reading instruction, and I read Mosaic of Thought soon after I graduated from college.   But Debbie Miller conveys these ideas in a unique way.  In every chapter and every introduction she writes, you get a sense of how much she loves children, teaching, and learning.  I love the way Mrs. Miller is in awe of her students.  She is continually watching them, waiting to be amazed.  I love the way she keeps her notebook ready, always on the lookout to capture the brilliant responses of her students.  Mrs. Miller conveys a true and deep respect for each of her kids – and this respect empowers her students to be risk-takers with their learning.  Her students learn to think deeply about their reading and build off each other’s ideas – not just because Mrs. Miller demonstrates and scaffolds this kind of thinking – but because she builds this confidence into her students.  Her own enthusiasm for learning and thinking is poured into her kids – and they receive it because they love and respect their teacher. 

This professional book is also incredibly practical.  Mrs. Miller defines her big objectives for each unit of study, and she clearly describes her mini-lessons and small group work that support each of her goals. She gives examples of student work and responses, and  at the end of every chapter, she gives a book list of titles that are effective for teaching each comprehension strategy.  From this one resource, I feel like I have an entire year’s worth of curriculum to work with. 

I walk away from this book inspired.  I want to be a teacher who is constantly amazed at the brilliance of my kids.  I want to be a teacher who teaches with rigor, yet creates a safe and nurturing environment.  I want to be a teacher who knows theory, best practice, and the strengths and weaknesses of each and every one of my students.  I want to be a teacher like Debbie Miller.