Based on the assumption that learning to teach means learning to trust one's intuitions, keen observations, and thoughtful reflections, this book presents collegial advice for new teachers of grades three through six. The topics addressed in the book are setting up the classroom, building community, oral communication, exploring reading and literature study, developing a writing workshop, responding to writers, language issues, weaving science and social studies with language arts, teaching mathematics, assessment of student learning, and professional development. Four appendices include questions teachers should ask before starting, a sample newsletter, and a summarized literature circle discussion. (Contains 66 references.) (KB)