Our World in Our Words

How can teachers help their students to meet high standards of reading and writing while also preparing them to become thoughtful and productive members of a multicultural society? And why is it important to do this? In her new book, Mary Dilg brings us into her high school English classroom, where we see students reach across the social, cultural, and economic lines that divide them to build lifelong literacy skills. The book explores what happens when we introduce students to the words of a broad spectrum of American scholars, writers, and artists and then invite them to examine, debate, and negotiate the ideas presented. Dilg provides a safe space to explore complex issues and includes samples of classroom writing to demonstrate how students use their language arts classroom to make sense of themselves and their world. Book features: A detailed account of teaching in a culturally and linguistically diverse classroom, including practical strategies to engage and motivate adolescents. A model for integrating issues of race, class, gender, and sexual orientation into the English curriculum and into classroom instruction. A blending of a traditional American Literature curriculum with an up-to-date treatment that will be successful in today’s diverse classrooms. A glimpse at students sharing their voices and building a supportive, multicultural community in the classroom. Examples of student writing and online access to course syllabi, sample assignments, and project guidelines.

Mary Dilg teaches English at the Francis W. Parker School in Chicago. She is the author of Thriving in the Multicultural Classroom: Principles and Practices for Effective Teaching.