Reviews (16)

.So far, so interesting
I love the philospohy behind this book, but Dr. Marshall goes one step further and adds the golden element of classroom testing.When he tells me I will need to use a particular strategy with about 2 % of my students, I feel confidence that this material has truly been tested in real situations.Part of the problem with many discipline programs that aim to address classroom management without rewards, tokens, and such is they often talk down to teachers for using token systems, but offer only theories and clinical data as proof without workable ideas for in the classroom.I am trying out Dr. Marshall's program and will see how far it takes me, but after the first two introductory lessons on the ABCD heirarchy, this weird quiet settled into my room, like the idea of democracy had just sunk into my students heads.Very heady stuff.

No More Class Store or Missed Recess
I purchased this book after an extremely challenging year of behavior problems in first grade. As a teacher who had previous success using rewards (giving plastic money that could be redeemed in a class store) and punishment (taking away recess time), this new class had so many problems that nothing seemed to work! During the summer, I read everything on behavior management I could find in preparation for my new third grade class and found this book while searching the web. Needless to say, this past year was the best year of teaching I've had in my short career of five years. Using the daily class meetings--the students' favorite part of the day--to solve problems and asking disruptive students to tell me "their level," I found that most problems went away quickly and students didn't get resentful of me because they had to reflect on how they were acting. Using the agenda for students to write down issues that bothered them was a great way to deal with tattling. I also linked the system with students who would forget homework. Rather than punish them, I would give them the Level 1 Essay to reflect on why they forgot their homework and what they could try so they could remember it. It worked! I also recommend buying "Positive Discipline in the Classroom" (Nelson) as a companion to this book if you want more step-by-step instructions for the classroom meeting. It picks up where Dr. Marshall's book leaves off regarding class meetings, especially on how to introduce it at the beginning of the year. One more thing: parents LOVE this system and will love you for using it!

A Civilized Alternative
Marshall makes a compelling case for giving children tools to evaluate their own behavioral options and make positive choices.I am looking forward to empowering my kindergarteners to be their best selves.
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Subjects:  1. Administration - General    2. Behavior Management    3. Discipline of children    4. Education    5. Education / Parent Participation    6. Education / Teaching    7. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / General    8. Family & Relationships / Parenting    9. Handbooks, manuals, etc    10. Parenting - Discipline    11. Rewards and punishments in edu    12. Rewards and punishments in education    13. Behavior modification    14. Family & Relationships    15. Parent Participation    16. Parenting    17. Responsibility in children    18. Teaching Methods & Materials - General   

Reviews (24)

Educational Mom
I love this book!I have my degree in Elementary Education and spent 3 years teaching - 2 of those in Kindergarten.I have seen how many times even the best intentions do not allow the time for covering EVERYTHING you would love to expose the children with when they are in your classroom.
Looking at the table of contents...
Flipping through I noticed an error that raised a red flag--the book calls hieroglyphs "Hieroglyphics".Hieroglyphic is an adjective, not a noun, unless it refers to the entire writing method:"they carved hieroglychics" is, for example, wrong.And hieroglyphs are NOT picture writing--they are 90%+ alphabetic and syllabic.Based on such a sloppy error (plus the one I note below) that was so eaily found, I would approach the history portion of this book with caution.
Whole series is a bit off.
As a former teacher and current homeschooler, I find that much of the material in the early levels of this series are not appropriate for the grade levels indicated.I use the books as references but not usually at the grade indicated by the title of the book. The history sections are especially inappropriate. Children at these early grade levels do not have enough background knowledge (i.e., comprehension of the passage of time and the geography of the earth in relation to their own place in it) to fully understand the material presented. Thus, they are very unlikely to retain the knowledge or to apply it meaningfully to other areas of study. Parents trying to stick to these grade levels are bound to be frustrated. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Curricula    2. Curriculum planning    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Elementary    6. Elementary education    7. First grade (Education)    8. Parent Participation    9. United States    10. Education / General   

Reviews (6)

Best Resource for Teaching Reading I've Found...
I absolutely love this book for both teachers or parents looking to improve reading skills.My daughter first came home with these stories from her 4th grade teacher and I loved them so much I bought a copy to use with the students I tutor.Now I'm teaching basic skills to fifth graders and do these stories one-on-one.Each story is intelligently written with a touch of humor and jam-packed with interesting facts.Topics include American History ("Thomas Jefferson and the Big Cheese"), fiction, biography, poetry, science (Star Trek!"), and popular culture. There is one reading skill to work on per story such as using context clues, italics, or main idea/supporting details.I've just ordered Mary Rose's other similar books for math and other reading levels.One word of caution:the vocabulary may be too advanced for a struggling third grader--best for grades 4-6 unless the child is already a fluent reader.

SuperGreat Homework for reading fluency!
I've been assigning these readings weekly to my fifth graders for a few years now.
Excellent resource
I bought this book last summer and used it with my 5th grade language arts students this past year.It contains some helpful usage and assessment ideas. The passages are divided into sections, all of them "kid-interesting" content.Each assignment features a particular reading skill and tips to the parent on how to help his/her child with the assignment. There is a place at the bottom of each assignment for both child and parent to sign. Certainly I recommend it to teachers, but I would also recommend it to parents who would like to help their children's reading skills but might be at a loss as to how to help them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Elementary    4. Parent Participation    5. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    6. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading   

Reviews (9)

A Valuable Asset for Parents
I was skeptical at first because I don't want to be a "pushy" parent, but I found this book to be very enlightening.It's kind of like finding the secret key that unlocks the top colleges.I have two sons, and while I try not to drive them too hard, like most parents I realize that a great education is of the utmost importance.Having this book gives me a little bit of an edge over other parents, and hey, why wouldn't you want to have an edge?Let's face it, teachers and guidance counselors do their best, but they have many students to worry about.This book is like having your own personal consultant.Some of the tips are admittedly for the supremely dedicated, but others are little things you can easily do to give your child a little boost.The advice is really good and very easy to act on.I highly recommend.

Helpful, well written and on target
I found this book to be direct, clear, and useful.The author takes a position that some will appreciate and others will not: however, no one can come away without a clear understanding of her point of view.
Good Advice, but I'm ambivalent
This book contained a lot of facts that I didn't know -- like the fact that savvy parents have their kids take the SAT every year beginning in sixth grade to practice for the exam, like the fact that they take the SAT prep course BEFORE the PSAT, in order to help their kids get national merit scholar.Like the fact that it's possible to move your child up on the wait list by sending faxes and e-mails.Like the fact that you should practice for college interviews with your child, rehearse making a phone call to the school, and so on and so forth.
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Subjects:  1. Admission    2. College And University Guidance And Counseling    3. College applications    4. College choice    5. Education    6. Education / Teaching    7. Higher    8. Parent Participation    9. Parents And Education    10. Reference    11. United States    12. Universities and colleges    13. Education / Reference   

Reviews (154)

Excellent resource...
After reading through zillions of homeschool books and websites-this book finally gave me what I feel is a great base to start from and recommends some other great books that I cannot wait to get.
This book changed my life
As a SAHM with 8 children (college sophomore down to 2 yrs), I'd considered homeschooling now and again. I'd never felt compelled to actually begin homeschooling, however, until now.One of my children had to withdraw from public school (health issues), and thus began my real search for an appropriate curriculum.I read a number of books detailing different philosophies, but this was the first one that when I read it, I felt that I couldn't possibly send my children back to public school.
great reference
this book is a great reference for home schooling
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Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Education, Humanistic    4. Handbooks, manuals, etc    5. Home Schooling    6. Parent Participation    7. United States   

Reviews (4)

Very Interesting
This is an interesting and informative book. It is written in the style of a thesis, so some of the detail feels like reading an M.ED. If you can get through that, the content is facinating and has changed my view of learning and teaching profoundly. I would love to learn how to teach BAL-A-Vis-X as a result and I am learning to juggle!!

Bal-A-Vis-X
This book has good information, but, as parent I need more visual information, Pictures and step by step information.
Bal-A-Vis-X
There are lots of books (and providers of services) out there for exercise programmes to assist "learning challenged" children.Before you spend much money on something more expensive - this is a great first step. We have been there, done that when it comes to spending money in all directions. Another to first open your mind is the Smart Moves book by Carla Hannaford. We have also personally had much success with diet changes (low grain, no sugar, gluten, dairy, processed foods) and improving speech by implementing a yeast eradication programme. None of the milestones our kids have personally achieved have come overnight - so perseverence is the key.
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Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Parent Participation    3. Education / Special Education / Learning Disabled    4. Exercise    5. Learning disabled children    6. Mind and body    7. Parent Participation    8. Self-esteem in children    9. Special Education - Learning Disabled   

Reviews (1)

A recently revised classic on the family.
An interdisciplinary collection of current and classical readings, Family in Transition guides students' exploration of the many transformations taking place in families today. Throughout, Arlene and Jerome Skolnickdemonstrate their extraordinary talent for selecting readings that capturethe latest on both the changes in the family itself and and in the study offamilies. Introductions to each chapter showcase major issues and topicalconundrums, encouraging students to think critically about the material.This ninth edition introduces a new chapter on family diversity with uniquereadings African-American, Hispanic, and lesbian and gay families. Fourteennew selections point out the many changes in family culture, structure,behavior, and economics. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Family    2. Family & Relationships    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Family Relationships    5. Family/Marriage    6. Parent Participation    7. Parenting - General    8. Sociology - General    9. Social Science / Sociology / General   

Reviews (2)

Very helpful
As a former special education teacher, I am sometimes too aware of little problems. I know my child's self-esteem is affected by this problem however, and this book is very helpful for being me to work with her at home, especially since teachers don't seem to think there is a problem. This book, along with "The Gift of Dyslexia" brought so much practical, usefel information. I took this book out from the library, and will buy it, to use for a longer duration at home.

Practical strategies for dyslexia
Ms. Stowe has managed to be both concise and thorough.This book is aimed primarily at teachers of students who have dyslexia, butparents will findit extremely helpful in understanding their child's (their own!) struggleswith a confusing and frustrating condition.The interviews with adolescentand adult persons diagnosed with dyslexia bring the more academic aspectsof the work to life, and help the reader to identify with the informationin the other sections.Unlike those in some other books on the subject,the activities presented actually seem to be as they are described on thecover, "Practical."I especially liked the suggestions forteaching writing and making writing accessible to students on differinglevels (word, sentence, paragraph) who might be working within the samegroup.I wish I'd had this book when my son was younger!I wouldrecommend this book to principals and teachers, to parents of kids inschool and parents who homeschool, and to youth and adults who grew up withany of the difficulties described. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Language Arts & Disciplines    4. Parent Participation    5. Reading Skills    6. Special Education - Communicative Disorders    7. Special Education - Learning Disabled    8. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading    9. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / Reading    10. Teaching of those with special educational needs   

Editorial Review

A professor of pediatrics at the University of North Carolina Medical School, Mel Levine received acclaim for his previous book, Read more

Reviews (25)

Themyth oflaziness
A very excellent book.I learned alot about the myth of lazness and what it's not. You get an understanding of what the children go through.

Insightful but limited
Depending on what sort of "laziness" you are dealing with, you might find this book to be extremely helpful; or you might find it to be not at all helpful.By laziness, Mel evine is referring to not wanting to read, not wanting to write, not wanting to complete class assignments, and so forth.
"instantaneous and automatic "
Overall, this read has a bit of a clinical textbook feel to it and some of the chapters can be a bit wordy from time to time, but none-the-less this work is valuable if you are an elementary school teacher or a parent with young children in school.
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Subjects:  1. Academic achievement    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Educational Policy & Reform    5. Educational psychology    6. Parent Participation    7. Performance    8. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    9. Education / Educational Reform   

Reviews (4)

Worthwhile as a practical guide
This is a how-to manual on thinking. The main emphasis is on habits of a good thinker, such as focus and purpose, and specific thinking tools, such as the "Plus, Minus and Interesting" technique. The book enumerates many specific methods of effective thinking and suggests exercises to practice each of them. Interesting
I had a quick browse of the book and I find interesting. I believe it would have been better have a title Improve your thinking rather than teach your child how to think. I found the book to be helpfully to any age. Wish I'd Learned Thinking Tools at Age 15
I am thoroughly impressed with Edward De Bono's matter-of-fact, wholly insightful, and unique yet practical work(s) published in the field of Thinking over the last four decades.Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Care/Parenting    2. Cognition in children    3. Family / Parenting / Childbirth    4. Parenting - General    5. Psychotherapy - Child & Adolescent    6. Theory of knowledge    7. Advice on parenting    8. Education / Parent Participation   

Reviews (1)

Just A Little Pricey...But Excellent
Mayesky balances theory, standards, and practicality in her book by organizing it like a house.She builds up the discipline from the ground (what is creative arts in early childhood) to the unique, but unnecessary, touches (applying early childhood creative arts for holidays).
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Subjects:  1. Activity programs    2. Child development    3. Creative activities and seat w    4. Creative activities and seat work    5. Early childhood education    6. Education    7. Education / Teaching    8. Elementary    9. Elementary School Creative And Manual Arts    10. Parent Participation    11. Study And Teaching Of Specific Subjects    12. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    13. United States    14. Education / Elementary    15. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

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 (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)

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 (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 thei