Includes bibliographical references.

Getting your classroom ready for conferring -- Understanding what readers know and need -- Setting goals -- Noticing and naming strengths -- Teaching strategies to individuals and groups -- Supporting conversation and collaboration -- Planning and managing conferring time.

"With a focus on goal-directed, purpose-driven reading conferences, the author shows how form follows function--the structure of each conference is clearly designed to serve its purpose. Through "Researcher Spotlights" in each chapter, she'll also introduce you to a few of the teaching mentors and researchers who've had a profound influence on her work. The author describes different types of conferences, some designed for individuals, others for small groups. Some are used during independent reading time, others during partnership or club time. One can read the chapters in order or dip into the chapter that best suits their needs and purpose"--