Michelann Parr

In this collection, authors transgress and uphold their maternal integrity as they dance at the edge of comfort and take up the challenge of exploring the boundaries of maternal practice- their own, their mothers, and those found in literature, media, or popular culture. These mothers assume a hopeful stance; actively choose courage over comfort; push through what is fun, fast, or easy, and show how they come to mother outside the lines in all its simplicity and complexity. As they bust outdated, tired, and ambiguous boundaries, they find and (re)set new boundaries that restore dignity and self-respect for themselves, their children, their families, and for the matricentric feminist collective, particularly those whose voices may continue to be silenced and marginalized by structures and limits beyond their control. Thirteen stories are threaded together to form a compelling tale showing how and why some mothers, when faced with ambiguous and untenable boundaries, resist the urge to accept the assumed, the unpredictable, even the demanded- whether they be internal or external, visible or invisible, real or imaginary.

Balanced Literacy Essentials shows teachers how to create a literacy program that balances the components of language arts with the power of meaningful interaction with students. Based on the latest learning theories, this timely resource is full of simple ways teachers can nurture meaningful reading, writing, and talk in today's classroom. The book provides an overview of reading instruction, techniques for supporting writers; and poetry, storytelling, and drama activities. Balanced Literacy Essentials offers the background and strategies teachers need to encourage students to question, discover, and learn.