In this study, a gap is identified in the literature about teacher talk in elementary classrooms. In particular, there is not rich description of teacher talk during the routine times of the elementary classroom, the times when the class is being organized and directed so that instruction can commence or resume. The study used an ethnographic strategy of studying four teachers in an exemplary urban school, as an immersed observer, in order to determine the nature of their talk to children during the routine of the school day. The findings included many examples of teacher talk, foregrounded as more important than the researcher's analysis. Analysis revealed that teachers teach during the routine of the day and that teachers in an exemplary urban school show congruence between their stated philosophies and goals, the literature concerning culturally relevant practice, and the nature of their talk to children. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]