This book builds on conversations between the author educators and other
experts in the field, including authors, illustrators and teachers, to
explore the benefits of discussions around quality literature within a
classroom context that exercises the imagination and generates new ideas
and discoveries. The book focuses on a range of strategies that can be
utilised to reimagine literacy learning in a 21st century context
including parent and teacher talk; active listening; fostering student
driven questions; building vocabulary and imagery; and metacognitive
talk. These are argued to have a hugely beneficial impact on how
children learn to solve problems, engage in complex thought processes,
negotiate meaning, as well as learning how to wonder, explore, create
and defend ideas. The book also defends the importance of parents,
teachers and academics as 'storytellers', using their bodies and voices
as instruments of engagement and power. It will make compelling reading
for students, teachers and researchers working in the fields of
education and sociology, particularly those with an interest in creative
methods for improving literacy.