Reviews (4)

Inspiring
Some real life tear jerker stories, amazing insight into the abilities of children and how to get them to show it.I have witnessed three children go through the same teacher's class.They all loved school until they survived her grade.What a shame that school is now a downer for them.If all teachers would make just a smidget of this guys efforts maybe the world would be a different place.

Great Little Parenting Guide
I thought this book was great. The overall feel reminded me of the book "Now I Know the Ten Commandments". I recommend it to anyone.
I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!HE HAS GREAT IDEAS FOR TEACHERS AND PARENTS!!
THIS IS A GREAT BOOK!!HE IS REALLY A SERIOUS TEACHER ABOUT TEACHING. . .BUT MAKES IT FUN AND WONDERFUL FOR KIDS OF ALL KINDS.I LOVE THIS BOOK FOR ALL TEACHERS AND PARENTS ALIKE.HIS 55 RULES BASICALLY BOIL DOWN TO:DO YOUR BEST, TAKE PRIDE IN ALL THAT YOU DO, BE POLITE AND RESPECTFUL OF OTHERS, DON'T EXPECT TO ALWAYS BE REWARDED FOR YOUR BEST, BUT WORK LIKE THERE IS A REWARD, FOR YOUR OWN SATISFACTION.GREAT TOOLS AND A WONDERFUL READ! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Development    2. Conduct of life    3. Education    4. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    5. Parent Participation    6. Parenting - General    7. Teaching    8. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    9. Education / General   

Reviews (1)

A challenge to American schools, a model that works
Littky's book challenges the traditional philosophy and practices of American schools.And we deserve that challenge.We are raising kids in dysfunctional schools, dysfunctional even when we believe they are working satisfactorily. At the most fundamental level the philosophy upon which the schools are based, a philosophy laid down in the Nineteenth Century designed to train people to fulfill the needs of industry, has not changed.The problem is that training is not educating. Defining the success of schools by standard tests, the method used to upgrade the dysfunctional system by No Child Left Behind only serves to make the dysfunctional system worse.America's children need a better system.
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Subjects:  1. Aims and objectives    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Effective teaching    5. Parent Participation    6. Philosophy & Social Aspects    7. Student-centered learning    8. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    9. United States   

Reviews (1)

Bible for teaching school-family-community partnerships
This is the best book on the market about school, family, and community partnerships for use in teacher education and school administrator training!Based on decades of research, Epstein has pulled together all the pieces necessary to help educators understand the importance of partnerships, the effects of these partnerships on student outcomes, and the necessary components for building comprehensive school, family, and community partnerships in elementary, middle, and high schools, located in urban, suburban, and rural settings.The research-based framework and approaches Epstein discusses will help all educators create postive relationships and productive partnerships with families and communities, linked directly to school improvement goals. One of the strongest parts of the book is the class projects and assignments found at the end of each chapter.My only regret is that this book was not part of my required reading as a student.If increasing numbers of educators have the opportunity to read Epstein's book and then apply what they've learned, our educational system and students will benefit tremendously. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Educational Policy & Reform    4. Parent Participation    5. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    6. Organization & management of education    7. Schools    8. Teaching skills & techniques    9. USA   

Reviews (4)

Not for multicultural classrooms
I bought this book based on the great reviews, but most of the stories are about caucasians. That's fine, but I'm in an area where only 20% of the students are white.
FANTASTIC STORIES
I am a read aloud mom to 4th graders, and each and every story I have read from this book to the class has them CAPTIVATED!I was trying to decide on a favorite, but they are ALL so good!! The book has stories that truly touch your heart.It has fiction and nonfiction, humor, satire, tragedy, biography, short pieces; long pieces. Jim Trealease also does a great job introducing the authors which are stories within themselves.I can't say enough about this book.If you have anyone you wish would read more rather than watch TV, purchase this.It will definitely get their interest, and the students may purchase some of the books after reading one of the interesting chapters, and the life of the author Jim Trelease writes about.The 4th grade class I read to, are asking that very question (what is the name of that book and the author).

A nice variety of short pieces
My students really enjoyed the selections I read to them from the book.It is great resource to have on hand when you've finished your lesson and there is still five minutes left in class.It is also terrific to have for those studyhall kids who never seem to have any work ... toss it to them and say, "Have a look at this."In two minutes, they are silent, usually for the rest of the period. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Anthologies    2. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    3. Children's literature    4. Collections    5. Education    6. Juvenile Literature    7. Literature    8. Education / Parent Participation   

Reviews (7)

Unsatisfied
We purchased this and the second grade edition this year.This is my first and last experience with these books and the author.The only part of the books I found helpful was the math sections.I feel the history was a bit over their heads and the study of Greek mythology for a second grader was rediculous.In the fourth grade edition I was very dipleased to see evolution as a main source of study.We are homeschoolers and I teach not only from the three R's but from the very Word of God.No matter what your religious faith or lack thereof, I feel that placing an emphasis on one view being taught in in a broad spectrum is ludicrous.I did not know the author's stand point before purchasing the books and will not line his wallet with my money again.
What Your Fourth Grader Needs to Know : Fundamentals of A Good Fourth-Grade Education
Product as advertised.Asset to Amazon.Great transaction.

Helpful Tool
We bought this to use with our daughter who just started fourth grade.We used the third grade version this summer and were pleased enough with it to give this one a try.As with the other, the history portions were well written and easy for her to understand.The choices for poetry and literature are just unusual enough for her to be interested in.If I were homeschooling, I wouldn't rely on this alone, but it does make a very helpful and handy tool for suplimenting a public school education. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Curricula    2. Curriculum planning    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Elementary    6. Fourth grade (Education)    7. Parent Participation    8. United States    9. Education / Elementary   

Reviews (79)

Wonderful history book!
This is a "living book" for history at its best!Naturally it cannot contain EVERYTHING one might want in an ancient times history text, it does a WONDERFUL job of bringing history to life for children ages 6-12!I was unsure about this series at first, but once we got into the 1st book, we were hooked!We added some other resources into our study (to fill-in some gaps) and also used the activities book that is available.All-in-all, this is a nice, solid anicient history book for children and while it won't fit all families, it was exactly what we were looking for.:o)

I really, really wanted to love this book!
I really wanted to love this book.I was seeking an engaging survey of ancient history told in an accessible manner for young children.While it partially accomplished that goal, the book had a number of flaws.
Great History Curriculum
This curriculum has wonderful craft and activity ideas to go along with each chapter.The lessons are short and interesting.It is simple enough for very young children to enjoy, but plenty of material is provided for older students to dig deeper and do work on their own. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Ancient - General    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Home Schooling    5. Study & Teaching    6. Teaching Methods & Materials - Social Science    7. Education / Home Schooling   

Reviews (22)

Return of the Native
I am an educator at a school that separates the genders beginning at the 4th grade level.I have always know instinctively that girls and boys learn differently, and I strongly believe after working at this school for over 3 years that it is the way education should be.Many years ago these kinds of schools were common, but for whatever reason we have gotten away from that structure.The book points out many important biological difference that explains a lot to me about why both genders act the way they do in the classroom.
A teacher's review
I found 'Boys and Girls Learn Differently" to be a useful and fascinating introduction to the general strengths and weaknesses of males and females in the classroom.
The danger from within is Gurian
Many of my friends and I have read the same book.We come to the same conclusion of this book having an agenda to dogmatize our
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Subjects:  1. Administration - General    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Educational Psychology    5. Gender Studies    6. Learning Styles    7. Parent Participation    8. Reference    9. Education / Philosophy & Social Aspects   

Reviews (3)

Life Changing. Should be in Every Homeschool Library!
I bought this book because it was suggested by a friend to check for any learning gaps. HOWEVER, I got much more. I came away in awe! I learned how badly I needed to renew my mind regarding education. Mrs. Sampson explains in easy to understand language how many homeschoolers begin on the right path-wanting to teach their children how to be godly- but leave this path due to fear.
A Must for Christian Homeschoolers!
I bought this book after hearing several homeschoolers tell me how it drastically changed their teaching for the better.
A neccesary resource for homeschooling!
I purchased this book after discovering another book by the same author, titled: "A Family Guide to the Biblical Holidays."This book was such an inspiration to me and helped me to re-evaluate my curriculum choices.For fans of Charlotte Mason and Ruth Beechick, this is a must read!For everyone else considering homeschooling, this book will introduce you to a God-centered method of educating your children, while ensuring you have guidelines to meet state educational standards at the same time. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Christianity - Education - Children & Youth    2. Education    3. Home Schooling    4. Religion - Youth Issues    5. Achievement tests    6. Curricula    7. Religious education    8. United States   

Reviews (3)

A thoughtful, provocative commentary on the modern family
In this book, Rob Evans focuses clearly on troubles in families which interfere with childrens' readiness for school and learning.The book is filled with thoughtful reflections on how families have changed, with special attention to the many ways in which parents' energies have been drawn away from home and family.The book is thoroughly researched, extremely articulate, and a very entertaining read.Evans does not shy away from provocative assertions to support his diagnosis.He is a compassionate advocate for children and their families, and while he respectfully declines from offering simple solutions to complex dilemmas,parents will find much to use here, and educators at all levels will look at their challenges in a new light.

A well-written conservative screed
Evans discusses many of the pressing issues confronting teachers and parents in an interesting way.He pre-emptively admits that there is no "golden age" of parenting, and acknowledges the hard-won freedoms of last century. However, as the book goes on, it becomes clear that he blames student failure on the disintegration of the illusory 50s nuclear family in which the mother stayed home and in which there was somehow less stress and more time for nurture.Evans also consistently cites conservative theorists to back up many of his assertions. My own hard-won experience as a teacher and a parent (and as a child in the 50s, remembering how all the parents seemed much less concerned with nurturing than Evans thinks they were) convinces me that consumer culture rather than increased freedom has more to do with the troubles our students have than whether or not their mothers are working.Ultimately this book is a one-sided, if enjoyable, read, with some flaws in its reasoning.

Schools and Parenting
In Family Matters Rob Evans offers an insightful, respectful perspective of childrearing today and the resulting challenges faced by schools. Practical solutions are offered to benefit the social and emotional well being of our children and strengthen home-school partnerships. This book offers intuitive, essential information for both parents and school faculty. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child rearing    2. Children    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Home and school    6. Parent Participation    7. Parenting - General    8. Parents And Education    9. Social conditions    10. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    11. United States    12. Advice on education    13. Advice on parenting    14. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / General    15. Organization & management of education   

Subjects:  1. Curricula    2. Curriculum planning    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Elementary    6. Elementary School Curricula    7. Fifth grade (Education)    8. Home Schooling    9. Parent Participation    10. Religion - Christian Education - Home Schooling    11. United States    12. Education / Home Schooling   

Reviews (2)

Excellent, and nothing quite like it
This book is smart.It is practical and helpful.Besides offering many great ideas on writing coherant paragraphs, it becomes an excellent aid to brainstorming.My only gripe is that there is no bibliography for reference and further study, and no references to recommended paragraphs by other writers.Still, I know of no book quite like this.I'm glad I bought it.

For aspiring authors of all ages & backgrounds
A Writer's Guide To Powerful Paragraphs by Victor C. Pellegrino is a straightforward, easy-to-understand how-to guide to improving the quality of one's writing, one paragraph at a time. Aspiring writers are provided with thirty different but effective ways to organize and write competent paragraphs, including paragraphs focused on chronology, physical or process analysis, classification, enumeration, cause and effect, dialogue, anecdotes, introductions, conclusions, transitions, and a great deal more. Highly recommended and quite "user friendly", A Writer's Guide To Powerful Paragraphs is a superbly organized and presented supplement for aspiring authors of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels ranging from the high school novice, through community college and university level writing assignments, to professional contract and free-lance authors. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Adult & Continuing Education    2. Children's 12-Up - Language Arts    3. Children's Books/Young Adult Misc. Nonfiction    4. Composition & Creative Writing - Academic    5. Composition & Creative Writing - General    6. English language    7. Home Schooling    8. Language    9. Language Arts & Disciplines    10. Language Experience Approach    11. Paragraphs    12. Writing Skills   

Reviews (13)

Many ideas that apply to virtually any student!
Though I never had the personal pleasure of having Ron Clark as my
Interesting Read
The Excellent 11 was a well-written book that serves as a good bit of inspiration for teachers.However, I was expecting more practical suggestions than the book offered.Teachers looking for ideas for their own classrooms might wish to check out Ron Clark's The Essential 55 instead.

More Personality Cult and Godless Nonsense
This book is awful because it implies that students will not learn as well if the teacher is not enthusiastic. That attitude also has a discriminatory effect on teachers and anyone who is depressed, for example employers will avoid depressed persons who buy into this book.
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Subjects:  1. Aims & Objectives    2. Conduct of life    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Learning    6. Non-Formal Education    7. Parent Participation    8. Teaching    9. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    10. Education / General   

Reviews (3)

The master of modern homeschooling
Don't read my review.Buy the book and read it instead.If you only ever puchase one book on home education, then let it be this one.John Holt is simply the best.

How People Learn
Do you remember what they taught you at school? Me neither. I learned to read very early on, mostly at home, and I still remember some math, but only because I balance my checkbook and know when I'm getting correct change at the market. All those years, isolated from the real world in the artificial environment of school, sitting at a desk all day with 30 of my same age peers, how was I to learn about what an actual life in the world is like, or about what I wanted to do with mine? I remember learning to take tests. Now I never take them. A lot of it was pleasant enough, some of it was not, most of it was boring, and somehow I never noticed that I was mostly wasting my time. A treatise from the "granddaddy" of homeschooling
In this unofficial treatise for the homeschooling movement, John Holt, longtime private school teacher, maintains that the traditional classroom model no longer works and may, in fact, ruin kids for learning. He exhortsparents to challenge the conventional wisdom and be their children'steachers. You don't need to be a homeschooler to benefit from Holt's books;you simply need to care about children and education and to have uttered,if only once, "There's got to be a better way." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Home Schooling    4. Parenting - General    5. Advice on education    6. Parenting & Childcare   

Reviews (3)

One of hte best parenting books!
You can find a lot of books about parenting, but many of them are just pop psychology, the solitary opinion of the author. A fantastic audio book every parent should have!
This audio book has opened my eyes to what children are really thinking and how to deal with them.I have tried the recommended ideas with my own daughter and it has worked wonders.It can be difficult at first, but withpatience, these ideas will create a bond between you and your child thatyou may not have known could exist.

Marvellous!
"Emotional Intelligence" has recently been recognized as an important life skill. A combination of important traits (including self-discipline, ability to handle anger appropriately, self-esteem, empathy, and social skills), emotional intelligence allows one to handle life's frustrations and to "work and play well with others." These skills have been shown as more important than I.Q. as predictors of success in one's personal relationships and career. This wonderful book teaches parents how to raise their children to have emotional intelligence. The book sees children's problems and frustrations as opportunities for "emotion coaching" - helping them learn how to deal with their emotions. The book also identifies four "parenting styles" - two of these styles react negatively to chldren's negative emotions, one style accepts them but doesn't help the child deal with them, and the "Emotion Coaching" style accepts the emotions and teaches the child what to do with them. I wish my parents had had this book - I was a "difficult" child, prone to tantrums, etc., but much of my difficulty came from feeling frustrated and not knowing what to do about it. My parents were loving, but didn't really know how to handle the problem. This book will create greater understanding between parent and child, and will help the child grow up to be an emotionally healthy adult. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Child Development    3. Child rearing    4. Emotions    5. Emotions in adolescence    6. Emotions in children    7. Family & Relationships    8. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    9. Parenting    10. Parenting - General    11. Education / Parent Participation   

Editorial Review

William J. Bennett, that doyen of common sense who brought us Read more

Reviews (25)

Good Analysis / Poor Solution
This book provides a good overview of what children should learn year by year, subject by subject, and how parents can help them achieve their educational goals.One reviewer complained that the authors overemphasized the importance of limiting T.V. and reading to kids, but I am a teacher and can tell you that many parents don't bother to take those basic but crucial steps with their kids.The authors offer a good analysis of the problems with public education today (which both parents and schools can contribute to), but their main solution to the problems of the educational system is standardized testing.As a teacher in Texas, where high-stakes testing rules the public school system (which is why I work at a charter school and will never send my child to a public school in Texas), I have learned that placing such overwhelming emphasis on an annual test does not raise the standards of students' educations, it has actually caused too many schools to teach to the test, cheat, and neglect the needs of gifted students in order to prep the slower ones for the tests.

Unimpressive and unhelpful
I purchased this book to help me with ideas for homeschooling my children. This book is the longest in my collection but it is the least informative. The first 100 pages or so deride the current efforts of public schools, yet offer little advice except "turn off the television" and "read to your children". The most interesting and helpful information in the book was taken directly from the Core Curriculum Series, which is a useful resource for parents who want to ensure that their child is receiving a good education. This book is preachy and redundant.

No need for public school
This book is subversive in today's American culture. It teaches the traditional knowledge and values of Western Civilization.If you read this book and use it with your children, they will be immune to the propaganda of the usual American public school education and will have many problems with their teachers in school - at best they will only be bored, at worst they will end up diagnosed ADHD, on Ritalin and in special education classes at which time they will be throwaway students.Public school education today is all about ecology, multiculturalism and one world government.The 3 R's and individuality are not emphasized in government schools. Be prepared to homeschool your kids all the way thru school if you teach them anything from this book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Aims & Objectives    2. Early childhood education    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Education, Elementary    6. Elementary    7. Handbooks, manuals, etc    8. Home and school    9. Parent Participation    10. Parents And Education    11. United States    12. Education / General   

Reviews (1)

Perfect Delivery
It got here with no trouble and was in very good condition.Thanks!!! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Counselor and client    2. Education / Teaching    3. Exceptional children    4. Family & Relationships    5. Family Relationships    6. Family/Marriage    7. Parent Participation    8. Parents of exceptional childre    9. Parents of exceptional children    10. Special Education - General    11. United States    12. Education / Special Education / General    13. Family welfare    14. Teaching of those with special educational needs   

Reviews (18)

Really Great College Guide!
I wondered why this text hasn't been updated since 2005, but it would be a difficult book to briefly update every year, and I'm sure the information is accurate still (in October 2006).It's a great interesting book.I wasn't looking at any of these colleges for my students but I literally read this book cover to cover.It provided me with information that allowed me to better understand the top schools.There were schools I would definitely recommend to my students and others I would never even think of recommending now.
great resource for college bound students
Of all the college information books i have read this one has been the most helpful.I strongly suggest it to any student interested in any of these "top schools".The student perspective gives much deeper insight into what life is like on campus.This book helped me rule out some schools i was considering, and also gave me a different view of schools i wasn't very interested in before.

My college admissionssavior
I am a junior in high school currently, and this has been my BIBLE for the year.It is clearly well-researched, well-edited, and very well-informed.It is from a perspective of current students, which is excellent because I am personally too shy to talk to random people on-campus when I'm visiting the actual colleges.While it does not cover every aspect of every college, it makes no claim that it does so and it certainly gets closer than any other college guide.I didn't buy any other college books, because it has been so helpful to me in my searches.This book has served multiple purposes for me: for one thing, it opened my eyes to some places that I thought I wouldn't want to look at, but which I'm now thinking I'd like to visit.For another thing, I always read it after I get back from a college visit, to compare what I saw to what other people who actually attend say about it, to see if what I was seeing was a fairly accurate representation of the school.I love the fact that I can read through three different student reviews and see which one would be the most like me--it is so helpful when weighing schools to be able to compare onesself to the actual students.This book has lessened the stress of applying to college immensely, and I recommend it wholeheartedly to anyone starting out on the Great College Search. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. College Guides    2. Directories    3. Home Schooling    4. Institutions Of Higher Education    5. Reference    6. Research    7. United States    8. Universities and colleges    9. Education / Reference   

Reviews (3)

Wonderful Resource!
This book is fantastic! It breaks the issues down as to why parents are angry, troubled, afraid or just plain crazy, what staff does to cause it, and solutions for each.I would highly recommend this book to all school staff that work with parents on a regular basis!

A great resource for new and future teachers
This book contains so many helpful ideas that it ought to be required reading in teacher education courses. One of the biggest problems new teachers have is learning how to deal with parents of all stripes. New teachers ought to have a book like this at home or at school for ready reference.
Excellent Resource
This book is fantastic!She deals with many problems which face teacher relationships with parents.I highly recommend it to all teachers, especially new teachers! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. General    4. Home and school    5. Parent Participation    6. Parents    7. Psychology    8. United States    9. Education / General    10. Organization & management of education   

Reviews (4)

Not enough diversity
This book provides an insider's look into the private school application process. However, it could have been even better had the author included at least one racial minority. The one "White" woman who only identified as Mexican for this process was insufficient. Similiarly, the gay couple whose Black child (perhaps born to a crack addict) had a learning disability provided more comic relief than insight. It also seemed to reinforce stereotypes about gays and Blacks. The author seemed uneasy even discussing non-Whites, since he used terms such as "diverse" candidates. Moreover when referring to outreach to Black students, the admissions directors did not seem to realize that there are indeed middle and upper income Blacks; every Black does not reside in the inner city. The author, while citing Black Enterprise magazine, still did not expand on this point. It really would have good to see how the process differed for a non-White, middle class family.

Interesting book!
Does the right kindergarten really help your child get into the right college?
Hindsight is 20/20
We applied to private schools last year and had a miserable time of it. If only we had this book to read prior, we probably would have gone about it differently and saved ourselves a lot of headache and heartache. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Admission    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Kindergarten    5. Parent Participation    6. Parochial    7. Preschool & Kindergarten    8. Private Education    9. Private schools    10. United States    11. Education / General   

Reviews (3)

great resource to integrate service with learning
This book has great, unique ideas as well as appropriate annotated booklists for various topics that fit well with curriculum AND service.I definitely recommend this book for anyone who wants to step up service learning in the classroom!!

Excellent book for teachers and parents
I have been reading your "The Complete Guide to Service Learning" the last few days.I am teaching teachers tomorrow about the 40 Developmental Assets and integrating Service Learning into their curriculum.Your book is great. It is thorough.It is user friendly and it has great information that is easy to digest.I especially like the "Across the Curriculum" sheets.

Great Resource!
This book is a very inspiring guide to implementing service learning projects in each classroom.It offers countless practical, specific, easy ways for teachers to teach their students new skills and the value of contributing to their community.I would definitely say that this book is a must-read for any teacher or parent! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Civics    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Elementary    5. General    6. Handbooks, manuals, etc    7. Parent Participation    8. Student service    9. Study and teaching    10. Teaching Methods & Materials - Social Science    11. United States