Reading Lauren's The Wonder of Word Study reminded me of ... visits to her early childhood classroom, only this visit lasted a long time and was filled with a master teacher's articulate explanation of her practice. -- Shelley Harwayne Shelley Harwayne was affiliated with the New York City public schools for more than thirty years as a teacher, staff developer, codirector of the Teachers College Writing Project, founding principal of the Manhattan New School, and superintendent of District #2 in New York City. She has worked as a consultant and keynote speaker throughout the world and has published numerous books and videos with Heinemann including Learning to Confer (2004), Writing Through Childhood (2001), Lifetime Guarantees (2000), Going Public (1999), Lasting Impressions (1992), Living Between the Lines (1990), and The Writing Workshop: a World of Difference (1987). In addition, Shelley has published two children's books: Jewels and What's Cooking? . Lauren Berman Lucht received a Masters in elementary education in 1995 from New York University. Since then, she has taught kindergarten in Manhattan, working closely with administrators, staff developers, and fellow teachers as part of a continuing effort to improve curriculum and implement best-practice teaching. In addition, she conducts demonstration lessons and workshops in other classrooms, schools, and districts around the city.