Comprehension and Collaboration: Inquiry Circles in Action

"This book is about small-group projects that work. It's about combining what we know about the research process, about thinking, and about people working together to create a structure that consistently supports kids to build knowledge that matters in their lives."
-Stephanie Harvey and Harvey "Smokey" Daniels

Watch a video overview from Steph and Smokey
Listen to a podcast with Smokey and two master teachers who use inquiry circles

Comprehension and Collaboration: Inquiry Circles in Action occurs at the intersection of comprehension, collaboration, and inquiry and serves as a guide for teachers who want to realize the benefits of well-structured, student-led, cross-curricular projects. Stephanie Harvey (Strategies That Work and The Comprehension Toolkit series) and Harvey "Smokey" Daniels (Literature Circles and Mini-Lessons for Literature Circles):- lay the foundation for inquiry circles by chronicling the current research and practices behind comprehension instruction and classroom collaboration- explain nine fundamental classroom conditions needed for active, small-group learning- provide 26 practical lessons in comprehension, collaboration, and research- offer how-to instructions for four types of inquiry circles-mini-research projects; curricular inquiries; extensions of literature circles; and open inquiry projects- address characteristic management concerns, such as how to use the Internet for research and how to assess and monitor student achievement.Throughout, chapters offer a mix of materials for you to grab and go as well as some big ideas to think through as you customize inquiry circles for your students. It is time for another stronger, more intentional era of education. Comprehension and Collaboration:Inquiry Circles in Action will serve as your companion and provide a guiding light on this important endeavor.

Professional learning communities and book clubs save when you order a Comprehension and Collaboration Book Study Bundle. Get 15 copies of Comprehension and Collaboration for one low price. A $427.50 value for only $363.38.Save $64.12.

K-5 literacy coaches and staff developers, save when you order the Inquiry Circles Staff Development Bundle, K--5---10 copies of Comprehension & Collaboration and 1 copy of the companion DVD Inquiry Circles in Elementary Classrooms DVD.A $410 value for $348.50.Save $61.50.

6-12 literacy coaches and staff developers, save when you order the Inquiry Circles Staff Development Bundle, 6-12--10 copies of Comprehension & Collaboration and 1 copy of the companion DVD Inquiry Circles in Middle and High School Classrooms DVD. A $410 value for $348.50.Save $61.50.

Customer Reviews:

Relevant and easily transferable

By Erika M. Victor "Teacher Nerd" - July 22, 2009

I knew both authors from their previous works, so I was confident I would like the book. The book is written in a conversational manner, but includes research to back up the information they present. Having taught using the Primary Years Programme, which emphasizes the inquiry approach they advocate I was a bit surprised that they did not reference this framework, but maybe they are not aware of the similarity. I would recommend this book for any teacher of students from K-12, the age or subject area is not important. It is important that teachers get a look inside classrooms where this kind of learning is going on and the scenarios presented in the book are this glimpse into real classrooms. I will recommend this book to the professional book club at my school, as it is the rare book that all teachers can appreciate.

Inquiry based learning

By Tan Huynh "Mr.Huynh" - February 10, 2010

This is a fantastic book that shows readers the process of inquiry-based teaching by showcasing various units that teachers have done with their students. The case studies are accessible for people new to inquiry-based teaching and idea-generating for experienced inquiry teachers. The ideas in this book are immediately applicable to state curriculum and tomorrow's lesson plan. The foundation of this book rests on:

- literacy
- collaboration
- student inquiry

You can also view the online discussion of this book on English Companion Ning ([...]).

This is one teaching book I will NOT resell.