ABSTRACT

Jerome C. Harste combines reading with other language processes to accomplish similar goals articulated by the other experts. As a reading professional, he is dedicated to two goals that are critical to learning: inquiry through invitations, and collaboration. Reading should be purposefully embedded within settings that encourage speaking, listening, and writing as well. Within his theory of learning, children construct knowledge of the reading process for themselves. The natural language contexts provide ample opportunities for learning, to engage in and see others engaged in purposeful literacy activities, and to engage in collaborative inquiry. One thread that is visible across Harste’s scholarly writing is his belief that a low-risk environment facilitates learning. Some of the contexts that will provide the opportunities for learners include writing and reading to others, producing newspapers, writing and sharing poetry, reading and sharing literature, and reading and writing for a variety of purposes.