This book provides an inside look at an extraordinary teacher, Linda Rief--specifically, how she converses with students and promotes their conversations among one another. The book offers insights into Linda's teaching that even she had not seen. It presents an inside look at Linda Rief in action as she establishes goals, teaches, triumphs, and occasionally stumbles in her efforts to extend her students' literacy. Through Linda's actions, the reader will discover how a teacher can: offer students more freedom to think, talk, and create and at the same time create a classroom that is organized, efficient, and in control; set up a classroom and procedures in ways that promote better, more effective conversations among students; move beyond formulaic practices and routines that inhibit individualized and productive conferences; become a better listener and encourage student talk in conferences; and encourage students to work productively on their own. The book is divided into the following parts: (1) Values; (2) Conversations and Time To Listen; (3) Conferences: Talking Relationships; (4) Very Different Students; and (5) Reflections. (Contains 111 references.) (NKA)