“Who said word study has to be boring? Not Pamela Koutrakos! In her book Word Study that Sticks, Koutrakos provides teachers with a host of highly engaging and easily implemented approaches for making phonemic awareness, phonics, spelling, and vocabulary instruction come alive in their classrooms.”
— Timothy Rasinski, PhD, Professor of Literacy Education at Kent State University
“Pam offers so many practical and innovative ideas for word study, but even more than that, by highlighting the importance of student choice, engagement, and collaboration, Pam's book is a primer for planning instruction across the day. In addition to very practical and engaging ideas for word study, Pam helps teachers prioritize their time, organize their instruction, and offer children both individual choice and social opportunities across the day. Pam helps teachers envision and implement an engaging and effective approach to word study, one that supports students' growth and curiosity; one that invites student inquiry and agency.”
— Kathy Collins, Literacy Consultant, Author of Growing Readers, and Co-Author of I Am Reading with Matt Glover
“Word Study That Sticks provides Grades K-6 differentiated support for making word study meaningful in any classroom. Chock-full of resources -- including sample schedules, lessons, routines, tips for classroom set-up, even workarounds if your classroom is different -- Pamela Koutrakos has pulled together the most popular and effective word study techniques being used in schools today. Her inviting writing style will make you feel like you have a master teacher by your side as you implement these ideas in your classroom. A great resource that′s a needed addition to every elementary teacher′s professional library.
- Wiley Blevins, Author of A Fresh Look at Phonics
“As a presenter, I′m asked if I know of a good book for word study. I found one in Pamela Koutrakos′ Word Study That Sticks! She breaks it down for the novice and streamlines for the old pro.”
- Jeff Anderson, Author of the Patterns of Power series
“Whether you′ve been teaching word study for a few years or a few decades, Word Study That Sticks will change your mindset and open your eyes to innovative word study practices. Pam′s enthusiasm for inquiry-based word study experiences, coupled with her classroom-rooted expertise, glimmers off the pages of this must-have resource. With features like practical prioritizing, teacher tips, and workarounds to common classroom challenges, Pam offers a no-excuse guide to providing students with the word knowledge needed for school and beyond. I guarantee that Pam′s positivity will lift your teaching to new heights. If Pamela Koutrakos can′t get you and your students fired up about joyful word study instruction -- no one can!”
- Maria Walther, Instructional Specialist and Author of The Ramped-Up Read Aloud
“In Word Study That Sticks: Best Practices, K-6 , Pamela Koutrakos takes a fresh look at word study instruction and moves away from word study as discrete skills needed for reading and writing success to patterns and practices that help students leave their mark on the world. Grounded in best practices, authentic reading and writing, and joyful engagement, Pamela clearly shows educators how to teach students the power of words and word study. Focused on developing teacher expertise over knowledge of a program, Pamela invites teachers to honor their current practices, explore curious and creative word study instruction and foster engagement and independence in the classroom. She provides explicit, practical advice to weave word study instruction for all students are threaded throughout the pages of this book. Reading this book is like collaborating with a trusted literacy coach who understands the complexity and challenges of the classroom and supports teacher learning with real-life photographs of classrooms, word study routines and instruction, inspiring student samples and a clear set of lessons for use in classrooms. Word Study That Sticks provides educators with the tools they need to enact purposeful and authentic word study instruction into an elementary classroom framed around inquiry and joyful learning.”
- Stephanie Affinito, PhD, Literacy Teacher Educator
"If you're seeking a comprehensive guide to differentiated word study aimed at building independent, inquisitive word explorers, you've got the right book in your hands! In Word Study That Sticks, Pamela Koutrakos offers practical and purposeful lessons to get started and set up and maintain inquiry-based, engaging word study routines across a variety of grouping options throughout a year of study."
- Janiel Wagstaff, National Literacy Consultant and Author of The Common Core Companion: Booster Lessons, Grades K-2: Elevating Instruction Day to Day
“Pam Koutrakos has hit a home run with her companion book to Word Study That Sticks. The original book is a game changer and now with this companion, teachers have the research, procedures, and tools at their fingertips. These books are easily implemented in both elementary and intermediate classrooms. I totally understand why teachers were clamoring for Pam’s charts and structure. While I can rave over this new book, the best review comes from my fourth-grade students who are engaged and excited about word work. As one of them stated so brilliantly, ‘I wish we had these books a long time ago.’ Wise words. Wise advice. Thank you, Pam! All of our elementary students deserve the wonder of words. I recommend that teachers bring Pam into their classrooms and let her guide you using both books in tandem.”
- Leslie Blauman, Teacher, Speaker, and Author of Teaching Evidence-Based Writing (Fiction & Nonfiction)
“Pamela Koutrakos helps teachers understand the urgency of word study and the ways in which they can fold word study into their daily teaching easily. Her book is rich with hands-on, practical lessons that can be accomplished in only a few minutes a day. This book is more than a ‘companion’ to her first word study book; it’s an instructional playbook for teaching students to own their reading and find joy and wonder in words.”
- Nancy Akhavan, Author of The Big Book of Literacy Tasks
“When I am thinking through a classroom challenge or looking for insight, Pam is one of the people that I turn to. Mentor Texts that Multitask resonates with Pam′s characteristic wisdom, and it is imbued with her unshakable belief in children. This is not just a professional text, this is a transformative conversation with a powerfully capable friend.”
- Cornelius Minor, Educator and Author of We Got This: Equity, Access, and the Quest to Be Who Our Students Need Us to Be
“A must-have professional resource to guide instruction is Mentor Texts That Multitask by Pam Koutrakos! Multi-tasking mentor texts are beloved favorites and exciting new titles that can help students learn about reading and writing! Multi-tasking texts are worthy of revisiting. They are learning tools in a student-centered classroom that invite teachers to model and students to practice then reflect on their learning experiences. Pam’s voice is powerful, and she quickly draws you into her book. Every page returns to a central point: it’s you, the teacher, who makes a huge difference in students’ learning. Using compelling examples, this book shows you how multi-tasking mentor text lessons motivate and engage students in their learning and make you want to implement instructional ideas immediately. You’ll learn how to use diverse genres and formats across grades and students’ learning stages as Pam helps you make this important work your own. Along with guidelines for creating mentor text sets, you’ll explore how to develop units with outstanding culturally relevant texts. The book opens with a matrix of featured texts and text pairings, as well as a chart of recurring features in the lessons. I guarantee that Mentor Texts That Multitask will become one of your most valued and helpful professional books―one you’ll return to again and again!”
- Laura Robb, Author of Guided Practice For Reading Growth
“While reading Mentor Texts that Multitask, I found myself agreeing over and over again with Koutrakos and thinking about all the ways we can become more efficient through the use of smaller, strategically chosen collections of texts. The day in and day out work we do as educators is complex and multi-faceted. In this beautiful book, Koutrakos offers us ways to maximize time and find quality resources that enhance instruction with a less is more approach. This book will be a staple on my bookshelf and as I work alongside teachers.”
- Valentina Gonzalez, co-author of Reading & Writing with English Learners: A Framework for K-5
“Mentors that Multitask! This is what all educators need. Thrilled this playful and thoughtful book exists in the world as a practical yet inspirational springboard for using books teachers love over and over again for a variety of instructional, holistic instructional purposes! Pam shares tons of ideas for integrated literacy lessons and shows us why it all matters. From the text pairings to the inquiry ideas to the high-quality (and cross-genre!) text titles, I know educators with this book in their hands will feel more confident and excited about the possibilities. It is invaluable.”
- Nawal Q. Casiano, Educator, Author, and Staff Developer
“Mentor Texts That Multitask helps teachers connect different parts of the curriculum to create a more cohesive and connected set of learning experiences. Koutrakos′ model has the benefit of saving teachers time as well as supporting depth of thinking for students. It is grounded in research and classroom practice and is the type of book that teachers can return to again and again for ideas to try right away. After reading this book teachers will know how to shift to a more student-centered and inquiry-based way of using mentor texts throughout the day that brings joy, engagement, and deep learning.”
- Gravity Goldberg, Author of Teach Like Yourself and Mindsets and Moves
“This book is not a collection of texts or an anthology of stand-alone activities. Instead, it meets students and teachers where they are and helps them grow. Pam Koutrakos shows how simple, well-chosen texts can serve in so many ways, but she also fills the air with rich teaching practice, modeling how to embed humanity, compassion and understanding into the standards. It’s a book that should go into every teacher’s tool belt.”
- Gretchen Bernabei , Teacher, Consultant, and Author
”Nothing (not even the greatest of books) can replace the human genius of a teacher; a teacher with a great multitasking mentor text and a practical set of tools in their hands is a force to reckon with. Pam sets us up for success by reminding us of the importance of seeing the brilliance of students through an asset-based lens and the way she guides us through our decision-making process by setting up frameworks for us to think about the student process as emerging, developing, and extending is not only a refreshing way of thinking, but a necessary one. Pam invites us to think about practical ways in which we can reduce our decision fatigue by leaning into our love of books and integrating those books across our curriculum all while centering students at the heart of our classrooms. As I scan the books on my bookshelves, I can imagine how to employ them as trusted mentor texts that multitask by integrating across the elements of curriculum. From one obsessed book fan to another, thank you Pam for giving us the gift Mentor Texts that Multitask!”
- Renee Houser, Author and Consultant in Los Angeles, CA
“Mentor texts have been a favorite for teachers and students as a touchstone for deep learning. A big thank you to Pam Koutrakos for revealing to us an even more expansive potential of what a few carefully selected mentor texts can hold across learning contexts. What this book teaches us is a paramount implementation of responsive teaching, in a streamlined, learner-centered way. Pam’s deep pedagogical knowledge paired with a love of books of all sorts (yes, even some books we may not imagine!) brings us this seminal book that will only evolve our instruction in the most joyful and impactful ways. Pam does so through favorite text selections, ways to use those texts to teach, and a pathway for educators and students to multitask their favorite mentor texts.”
- Patty McGee, Author of Feedback that Moves Writers Forward
”Mentor Texts That Multitask gives educators access to one of the most authentic voices and thought leaders in literacy practices. With all angles and lenses considered, and the face of every potential student honored, Pam Koutrakos gives teachers the tools to be intentional about their use of powerful mentor texts. This gift for teachers offers a strong and manageable platform on which to build community and enhance literacy instruction in their classrooms utilizing some of the most meaningful mentor texts.”
- Kathy Pina, Principal, Mary A. Hubbard Elementary School
“Classroom teachers at the elementary level, middle school teachers, and literacy coaches (especially literacy coaches!) will feel equipped to teach in a meaningful and comprehensive way with Mentor Texts That Multitask. Gone are the totes loaded with books when traveling from classroom to classroom. Pam invites teachers to open a book, any book, and list the learning possibilities that can be pulled out of it.”
- Viviana Tamas, Instructional Coach at Ward Elementary School in New Rochelle, NY
”Mentor Texts that Multitask is a must-read for every educator, instructional coach, and literacy leader! Pam Koutrakos’ latest book shares limitless possibilities on simplifying instruction into smaller collections of strategies that are layered with multidimensional texts! Her work is both student-centered and teacher-supportive. She eliminates the myth of "more books" by outlining a framework where books can be used in a variety of ways through flexible design and multifaceted learning. This book is an educator’s dream!”
- Jigisha Vyas, Instructional Coach in Wyckoff NJ and author of Read Alouds With Heart
“One thing I often hear from educators is they wish they had more time--more time to plan, more time to play and practice, more time to READ! Pam Koutrakos’ Mentor Texts that Multitask tackles this challenge of time with thoughtfulness, innovation, and clarity. This text not only provides teachers with a rich list of student-centered learning experiences, but also shares a roadmap of how to implement these experiences in conjunction with authentic, engaging texts. The strategies Pam gives teachers have the beautiful balance of being supported by research while also being practical and adaptable for the classroom. You can read through a chapter, select a text type, choose which lesson(s) best match your students′ next steps and implement that lesson the following day. A true gift. Pam has shown us that less can be more. We don’t have to select a new text every lesson and there is real power in revisiting a mentor text through various lenses and focuses. While there is no ‘best’ or ‘perfect’ book, this resource certainly comes close to being the best time-saving gift for educators to select and plan lessons with rich texts at the center.”
- Katie McGrath, Instructional Facilitator, Loudoun County Public Schools
”This book deserves a space on every educator′s bookshelf. In Mentor Texts that Multitask, Pamela Koutrakos understands that the never-ending search for "perfect" mentor texts can eat up time that educators could use to prepare for student-centered responsive literacy instruction. Her carefully chosen texts and thoughtfully crafted lesson sets leave the reader inspired to try them out with learners. Thank you, Pam, for ensuring that we feel confident enough to curate our own stack of multitasking texts, facilitate affirming and integrated literacy learning experiences, and engage students in the process!”
- Heather Frank PhD, Literacy Consultant
“With an emphasis and deep commitment toward asset-based instruction that is unwaveringly responsive to students, Pam Koutrakos invites readers into the endless possibilities for learning that exist within the pages of books. While Koutrakos provides replicable lessons and resources based on specific texts, she also empowers readers to be able to select their own mentor texts and develop their own lessons. Mentor Tasks That Multitask weaves research, resources, and practicality, inspiring teachers with lessons they can use right away, as well as approaches to take within classrooms that maximize minutes, learning, and joy.”
- Melanie Meehan, Author of Every Child Can Write and Co-Author of The Responsive Writing Teacher
