Tom Roeper's Books

The Prism of Grammar

How Child Language Illuminates Humanism

By: Tom Roeper

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

The Prism of Grammar

How Child Language Illuminates Humanism

By: Tom Roeper

Exploring the creativity of mind through children's language: how the tiniest utterances can illustrate the simple but abstract principles behind modern grammar—and reveal the innate structures of the mind. Every sentence we hear is instantly analyzed by an inner grammar; just as a prism refracts a beam of light, grammar divides a stream of sound, linking diverse strings of information to different domains of mind—memory, vision, emotions, intentions. In The Prism of Grammar, Tom Roeper brings the abstract principles behind modern grammar to life by exploring the astonishing intricacies of child language. Adult expressions provide endless puzzles for the child to solve. The individual child's solutions ("Don't uncomfortable the cat" is one example) may amuse adults but they also reveal the complexity of language and the challenges of mastering it. The tiniest utterances, says Roeper, reflect the whole mind and engage the child's free will and sense of dignity. He offers numerous and novel "explorations"—many at the cutting edge of current work—that anyone can try, even in conversation around the dinner table. They elicit how the child confronts "recursion"—the heartbeat of grammar—through endless possessives ("John's mother's friend's car"), mysterious plurals, contradictory adjectives, the marvels of ellipsis, and the deep obscurity of reference ("there it is, right here"). They are not tests of skill; they are tools for discovery and delight, not diagnosis. Each chapter on acquisition begins with a commonsense look at how structures work—moving from the simple to the complex—and then turns to the literary and human dimensions of grammar. One important human dimension is the role of dialect in society and in the lives of children. Roeper devotes three chapters to the structure of African-American English and the challenge of responding to linguistic prejudice. Written in a lively style, accessible and gently provocative, The Prism of Grammar is for parents and teachers as well as students—for everyone who wants to understand how children gain and use language—and anyone interested in the social, philosophical, and ethical implications of how we see the growing mind emerge.

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

637

Publisher

MIT Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0262250586

ISBN 13

9780262250580

Rent FAQ

All That's Left to Know About Broadway's Blaze of Glory

By: Tom Rowan

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

Rent FAQ

All That's Left to Know About Broadway's Blaze of Glory

By: Tom Rowan

After opening in a small Off-Broadway theater, Rent, a modern adaptation of Puccini's La Bohème, quickly became a worldwide phenomenon with a more zealous and devoted fan base than had any musical in history. Rent FAQ includes biographical info on the musical's brilliant creator, Jonathan Larson, who tragically passed away at age 35 the night before the show began preview performances. Other chapters focus on the creative team and original cast; the development of the script and score from early drafts and workshop performances to the version we know and love today; the movie version, tours, and much more. The section “Rent Cultural Literacy” is a guide to all the titles and real people referenced in the show and the East Village and Alphabet City locations that Rent helped make famous; another chapter provides clues to the characters and tips for anyone thinking about auditioning for the musical, or putting on a production! A final chapter provides a rundown, with numerous photos, of revivals and local productions all over the country, including regional, community, and dinner theaters, and high school and college versions. Rent FAQ is a treasure trove of information, background, and fun facts for the show's devotees as well as anyone who might be lucky enough to be discovering the musical for the first time!

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

424

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield

Published Date

ISBN 10

154000497X

ISBN 13

9781540004970

The Boy who Played with Fusion

Extreme Science, Extreme Parenting, and how to Make a Star

By: Tom Clynes

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

The Boy who Played with Fusion

Extreme Science, Extreme Parenting, and how to Make a Star

By: Tom Clynes

An account of child genius Taylor Wilson’s successful quest to build his own nuclear reactor at the age of fourteen, and an exploration of how gifted children can be nurtured to do extraordinary things.

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

333

Publisher

Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Published Date

ISBN 10

0544085116

ISBN 13

9780544085114

Having Fun with Words of Wit and Wisdom

In 3,401 Quotations from Writers Across the Ages from the Prophets in the Bible to Barack Obama Words You're

By: Tom McMorrow

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

Having Fun with Words of Wit and Wisdom

In 3,401 Quotations from Writers Across the Ages from the Prophets in the Bible to Barack Obama Words You're

By: Tom McMorrow

something here

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

283

Publisher

Trafford Publishing

Published Date

ISBN 10

1426915861

ISBN 13

9781426915864

The Prism of Grammar

How Child Language Illuminates Humanism

By: Tom Roeper

Write a review Read reviews Take a Quiz Solve Book Puzzle

The Prism of Grammar

How Child Language Illuminates Humanism

By: Tom Roeper

Average ratings

N/A

Write a review

Solve jigsaw puzzle

Age

Page Count

637

Publisher

MIT Press

Published Date

ISBN 10

0262250586

ISBN 13

9780262250580

Book's by Tom Roeper

The Prism of Grammar

The Prism of Grammar

Rent FAQ

Rent FAQ

The Boy who Played with Fusion

The Boy who Played with Fusion

Having Fun with Words of Wit and Wisdom

Having Fun with Words of Wit and Wisdom

The Prism of Grammar

The Prism of Grammar

Username

Password

Username

Password

Password again

Birthday

Email