Education Teaching Books

Easy to read and VERY INFORMATIVE. I wish I would have know about this book earlier.

I purchased this study guide after reading several of the reviews. I am too impressed with the overall quality of this book. It provides preview tests and practice tests for Early Childhood, K-6, 5-9 and 7-12. I began studying three months before the test and used one other reference text book; Effective Teaching Methods by Gary D. Borich. I passed both the Elementary Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment and the Content Area Exercise on the first try. Now on to student teaching--Yeah!!

Very thorough overview of what will be on the PLT and excellent outlines of the information that will be tested. This book eliminates the need to go through textbooks from other classes to look up information, which saves time and effort.

This book is definitely the one to get! This book has TWO practice tests for each test, whereas the ETS book only has ONE test. This book also reviews important concepts and explains them clearly and in an organized fashion. Highly recommend!! The ETS book is not as helpful.

This book was a very thorough study guide. The practice tests were very valuable, as was the extensive information regarding theorists and other information that was on the test. I just took my Praxis today, and I left feeling very confident, thanks to this book!

The Reading TEacher's Book of Lists is good for any Elementary Teacher to have and use on a daily basis. There are lists of just about anything you need to teach reading. I found myself using this constantly in the classroom, right in front of the kids. Our spelling list was based on the use of silent letters. The kids wanted to know what other words there were, so we looked it up and came up with a large list to talk about.

I found that the students were having a hard time with certain word spellings during writing and looked up in the book the spelling demons. Together we made a list on chart paper to post in the room. Their spelling improved immeadiately because they just looked up at the wall and saw the words.

The book is truly made for teachers! It is well laid out and easy to locate certain lists for your given need.

This is the best reference book! Every year I buy one for my student teacher because I think it is so great. I use it to create challenge spelling lists using the same spelling pattern we are studying that week for my high achievers plus there are lots of great ideas in here.

This is the second copy of the Book of Lists that I have purchased. My old one was so worn and falling apart after years of use that I wanted a new updated copy. I love this resource and use it almost daily in the classroom. I highly recommend it.

We use this book with our students in school regularly. I bought a copy for my home. All four of my children (ages 10 - 17) refer to it time and again. It is a must for a home library. I keep it right next to the dictionary and thesaurus.

The Reading Teacher's Book of Lists is a wonderful resource for teachers, especially in helping develop instructional materials and lesson plans for grades K-12 & even for adult literacy. There are lists covering phonics, useful words, vocabulary, subject words, literature, writing, instruction, comprehension & study skills, assessment, spelling, the internet,ESL/language, word play, abbreviations/symbols/signs, and references. This is a highly practical and comprehensive resource for teachers of reading, but is also suitable for parents & students, and anyone interested in the subject matter. I would also recommend Jim Burke's Reading Reminders:Tools, Tips, and Techniques as a companion to this.

I have always thought that there is a piece of ADHD in everyone. Some people has a bigger piece, some people has a tiny piece. How can anyone be so "perfect"? My children are not "scientifically" diagnosed to be ADHD. But there are times when they can be showing bits of "symtoms" of ADHD.
I was in tears when I read about what happened to young Jonathan and young David. It must have been hard for them and their parents.
Everyone should read this book.
Parts of this book are going to help you with raising your own child since, like I said, everyone has bits of ADHD, and you just never know when anything in this book would come in handy.
Plus, we should also try to UNDERSTAND why some other children are doing what they have done. They are not ill and they are not stupid. It is just that they cannot walk within the lines like everyone else. Yet they CAN still learn and bloom, only that, just like the title of the book, they need to do it "outside the lines".

Anybody can use the great tips and techniques in this book from students who procrastinate on studying to people with ADD or ADHD that have a hard time focusing on studying and preparing for projects and tests. I highly recommend this to anyone who has difficulty with school regardless if you have ADD or ADHD or not.

I purchased this book because I have ADHD, I am in college and I am struggling some with test performance and grades (GPA is 3.65 but I want to increase it). I found *nothing* about what I was searching for in this book, and here's why.

For one, the first part "deviant minds", the one telling the school story of the two authors, is no use whatsoever, because it constantly blames the system (which doesn't work for ADHDers, true, but DOES work for 85% of people --- and they omit reporting this essential data). On top of it, the two stories are about how the entire world should be preoccupied with accommodating LD/ADHD kids as if nothing else mattered. Furthermore, the whole take on non-LD/ADHD people's feelings and behaviours (especially teachers) is *very* confrontational and displays an overall (and well-known) lack of empathy that many ADHDers have toward whoever doesn't have either LD or ADHD. As I also am a significant other of people with ADHD (my mom, a coworker, some other friends), I found it *appalling* to see how the strains that ADHD puts on relationships are completely overlooked when not entirely blamed on others, abuse included.

A second reason I don't suggest this book is, it's full of useless advices, such as "when the teacher says the word example it means he is about to give you an example" (I have ADHD, I'm not *dumb*!!!), "make summaries" (I know I'm supposed to summarize but the ADHD-related difficulties with summarizing are *precisely* linked to the fact that we see ALL the endless ways to do it... how about providing strategies to sort out which way works best in a specific contest???), "structure your answer" (yeah, how clever! That's what I've been told since grammar school... care to provide a template or at least explain *how* to do it??). When conflicting advices are given (like in the case of multiple ways of taking notes), there is no explanation on how to figure out which way might work best for the individual and/or the specific situation. They only say "do what's best for you", again, yeah right I've been trying to figure that one out for my whole life -- care to help some for 15 dollars?

A third reason I found this book useless is that it gives you no strategy for memorization... so if you are in medical school (like me), law school, are becoming a pharmacist or a vet or simply are facing an exam that isn't some dumb English Literature or Writing class, you can safely skip this book and buy *any* other available one.

Finally, having ADHD is about overcoming one's shortcomings, whereas the authors try to teach you how to cheat the system. In the specific, they teach you several tricks to pretend that you've studied something well enough that you manage to get higher grades. However, what I was trying to do was, getting higher grades as a consequence of having *really* learnt something!!!

In other words, unless all you are a victim and all you're interested into is cheating the system and never *really* face the challenges that comes with ADHD, run away, it's not for you.

I had leafed through this book one day in the library and it looked interesting. So, I bought one and I keep it with me always! I use it like a reference book. I found the chapters on reading and writing for people with learning disabilities the best. Once I started using the techniques, I saved my semester and my Grad School career! I was on academic probation and had to pass all classes (I'd gotten an "F") before. When I came back to try Grad school again, I had two "D's" at mid terms my first semester back! I read the book from cover to cover and kept it with me after that. I went from two "D's", a "B", and an "A" to two "A's", a "A-", and a "B" over the next six weeks. By the time finals came I was in the clear. The next semester I got straight "A's" for the first time in my life! All using techniques from this book! You have to get it. If you have ADHD or another learning disability like I do, it will help for sure!

I haven't read this book, I was thinking about buying it and read the excerpt online. It might be great, but I wouldn't want my kid reading any book with the "F" word on every page. I think it's unfortunate. Just my opinion.

This IS a book about pedagogy. Focused on the philosophy and structuring of Differentiated Instruction, Carol Tomlinson commented that this should have been her first book on Differentiation. The anecdotes and real world examples clarify theory into practice. DI is presented within the context of quality instructional planning considerations. Highly recommended for Teacher Leaders and administrators to become the in-house support for their district and buildings. A variety of strategies with examples are provided in the appendix. I found it helpful with some of the book studies I've lead for districts and schools.

If you're looking for the larger picture of the what and how of DI fits into curriculum, and why students respond as they do to instruction, this book is a perfect fit, especially if you have had some (minimal at least) background with DI in lesson planning. Otherwise, consider How to Differentiate Instruction in Mixed-Ability Classrooms by Tomlinson. It's an excellent primer someone looking for basic, basic understanding and where to begin the journey. In fact, get both books if you are just starting out. Fufilling the Promise appendices of strategies is one of the best available as it included classroom examples. Welcome to Differentiated Instruction. Students will gain greater benefits from your efforts.

This is the first book I have purchased for a class that I felt was of benefit to me (and I've taken a lot of classes). It has great ideas and half of the book is filled with sample tools that you can use in your own classroom. This book is great for someone who is just starting out with differentiated instruction and even has ideas a senior teacher hasn't thought of yet!

I really enjoyed reading this book. I even brought it to the beach with me. I found it helpful and easy to read. It gave me ideas and tips for starting the year right. I found myself able to integrate what I learned from this book with other courses I've taken. I read it and felt invigorated and excited about beginning the year. I look forward to applying more of what I've learned as the year continues. I definitely recommend this book!

If you are interested in differentiation, and meeting the needs of individual students, then this book is for you. It focuses more than the other differentiation books by Carol on the affective component of the classroom. How do we meet students where they are and understand where they are coming from?
This book emphasizes both teaching students and especially learning from them.
Whether this matches your philosophy or challenges your ideas, you will find this book helps you in your teaching career. Carol is my adviser, and if you get the chance to see her speak, definitely do it. You should read The Differentiated Classroom for more about academic curriculum.

This book provides a comprehensive view into the workings of the differentiated classroom. Dr. Tomlinson presents the vital theoretical underpinnings of differentiation, but pairs them with real world vignettes and strategies. This combination helps the reader understand the importance of tailoring instruction to meet students' needs, but also empowers the reader with a sense of "being equipped" with real-school-world tools to help them begin the reconstruction process.

I am going to urge all the parents of my middle school students to purchase this book (before school even starts) and begin working with their children to set up the systems referenced.

Implementing successful systems of organization for homework and classwork is not generally taught in school, and, as a result, students, parents, and teachers suffer. I will attempt to implement this book in the forthcoming school year as a practical guide for keeping organized.

There are very few students (IMHO) who innately have the organization skills needed to be successful. The lack of direct instruction in this area (organization) is clearly missing from both the school/classroom curriculum and many parental words of wisdom.

It is easy to tell a child to be organized. However, that is just not good enough! The authors write that organization has to be taught, just like any other subject with which students are unfamiliar. The instruction needs to be incremental, there must be maps (for lockers and backpacks), and there must be regular review and assessment of the organizational systems students are using.

Teachers and parents cannot expect students to get truly organized on their own. This book is really written for parents who are interested in helping their children learn to get organized. Parents will have to commit a good amount of time and effort, but the return will be huge.

The only point I have a minor disagreement with is the timetable for implementation. Whereas the authors recommend that the process of implementing the systems discussed in the book should unfold over quite a few weeks/months, I think students at my school (with the packed curriculum we have) would benefit with a more rapid implementation of the systems. I think to some degree parents will have to speed up the pace and get the systems set up more rapidly than what is mentioned in the book. It will take some time, and I think getting ready as much as one can before school starts will be a big help.

With this minor point aside, I think the authors are spot on with their concepts and strategies, and I have high expectations for this book and how it is going to help my students be more successful.

This book is very well written and was recommended to us by the developmental medicine physician my son sees for his ADHD. I think it has a great deal to offer with alot of useful suggestions (especially how to set up a binder). We adopted alot of what she said and it did help my son (and also his sister without ADHD) but some of the ideas were over the top for a fifth grader. The child also has to see the value of organization because if he doesn't work on it and buy into it you will waste alot of time and money.

If you actually have time to sit down and read this book, you will probably discover there is nothing in it you didn't already know. The real problem is the overextended parent who doesn't have the time to be a good example of organizational skills.
Well-written and informative.

I got this for a friend who's daughter just started High School and it helped more than anyone can imagine. Life is more fast paced than ever before and kids in school feel the pressure as well. This book has more solutions than a room full of parents. It is completely accurate and has helped this freshman learn how to be better organized in our high paced, complex high schools that seem to reflect the chaotic world we all live in. I give this book a 10+++++ rating and it is a must for every parent who wants to start helping their kids get organized well before college. I wish this book was around before I went to college 20 years ago. I am sending this book to my sister-in-law for my nephew who is 10 yrs old. Its never to late to start, in fact its a great book for adults as well..you can teach an old dog new tricks.

I have never read another book about getting a student organized because I have never needed another book! I have read the book once each summer and skimmed it often. It is easy to understand, supplies are readily available and everything is flexible. No off the shelf binder comes close and there is not a filing system that I have ever seen for kids. My 8 year old read some sections and checklists before setting up his systems and enjoyed some of the stories the author included. We have 4 active boys with very messy rooms, but absolutely no lost papers, no disorganized backpacks, no missing work, no overflowing desks or lockers and no school papers floating around our house. Our children can manage the systems on their own and they do so because it's so easy. Our kids started early in elementary school and now it's second nature. As they get older, more of the book becomes relevant and is easy to implement. I honestly think that I have never gotten a better return on a few dollars in my life in terms of saving us time, reducing stress and helping our kids be successful and independent students. Now if only she could come up with a way to get them to keep their rooms clean!

This book contains everything technical I needed to know to apply for medical schools. It gives you all the step by step guides. It also gives you detailed, necessary information according to how early or late you may be in the preparation process. This book was a great purchase! I absolutely recommend it.

I didn't have any contact with medicine before college and was in desperate need for good information. This is a great resource.

This book is a great resource whether you are interested in med school or already in med school. It delineates what to expect for next 4 yrs in med school with extremely helpful guides!

This book talks about the well rounded medical experience. There is something for everyone. It touches on the admission process and preparing for the MCAT. More importantly Med School Confidential talks about how to survive medical school and the study materials you need for boards. It gives some insight on what to expect from your pre-clinical and clinical years. Throughout the book, a panel of doctors talk about their experiences. It also includes a section about what significant others can expect as a supporter of a medical student. This book helps solidify your decision of becoming a doctor and elaborates on steps to plan a successful career. I haven't finished reading it as of yet, but I humbly endorse this book.

The problem with this book and those similar to it is that these books reinforce the idea of how wonderful it will be to become a physician. Here is all you need to know: After four years of grinding out top grades in classes like organic chemistry, you can look forward to another four years of no sleep, no social life, being humiliated and terrified by residents and attendings, and running up 100,000 to 200,000 dollars of debt, and then another 3 to 7 years of residency....all this to live in fear of being sued by a four-pack-per-day-smoker who will blame you for his myocardial infarction. Or better yet, be constantly second guessed by every high school drop out with an internet connection who someohow knows more than you and your expensive high-powered medical training because they "looked it up on the web". Do I have another 4 or 5 hours to tell you about managed care? Take it from a doctor who is living his "dream"...run, run away to something less stressful and more fulfilling than present day medicine...you know, like juggling chain saws.

Ideas for using picture books is so helpful for teachers. Picture books are usually rich with vocabulary and content. Often picture books have an emotional hook. This book is such a help in using that rich resource. Why reinvent the wheel? Just buy this book and plug the ideas into your writing curriculum. I teach third and fourth graders and I can adapt these ideas. Picture books are for all ages.

The writing duo of Ruth Culham and Ray Coutu have a hit on their hands and teachers are the ones who will benefit from their newest publication.
Using Picture Books to Teach Writing with the Traits is a resource that every classroom should have available. Each trait has a list of "old-time" favorites along with new titles that will evoke interest in writing for all students. The lessons are well thought out and easy to follow. Because of the format, lessons could be done with any title that is suggested. It also helps the teacher remember those favorites that we have left on the shelf and need to revisit for the love of reading and writing. This is a must buy for every teacher who wants their students to see how reading & writing can be fun.

Just when you think Ruth Culham cannot write a more practical, useful book for helping primary teachers with writing, she does it again! This time, with Raymond Coutu, Ruth shows the practicality of the 6-Traits for young writers by using K-2 picture books. As a curriculum director, I see this book as a starter guide for teaching the traits through the literature described in the book. Following a brief description of the traits, there is a bibliography of great children's literature from which to teach the traits. The focus lessons which follow give the teacher step-by-step ideas for sharing the traits with young writers. Culham and Coutu have concocted a pleasing combination ---a virtual "trait-a-palooza" by blending literature with 6-Trait models of good writing!

It's here! This is a teaching resource you won't want to be without. New to the traits? This book provides you with a definition of each trait that's user-friendly for teachers and young children. What follows is an annotation of a number of picture books that can be used for the trait. As if that isn't enough, each of the six main traits has three focus lessons and follow-up activities to get you going. For those of us that love teaching with the traits and use them faithfully, this book is an energizer. You'll find new picture books to add to your collection, plus old favorites with new ideas on how to use them.
As a resource person in my school, I'm often asked to do a lesson at the last minute. No problem! I pull out this magic book, look through the lesson, grab a picture book, and I'm good to go. Classroom teachers love the user-friendliness just as much as I do.
Ruth and Ray are to be applauded. In this age of test scores, change, and everything else that's going on, Using Picture Books to Teach Writing With the Traits is a breath of fresh air. It simplifies our teaching lives while making it exciting and fun for teachers and children alike.
Thank you, Ruth and Ray, for yet another excellent teaching resource!

As a parent, I could sense Dr. Pohlman's sincere desire to help children and their families. If more professionals would use the "Revealing Minds" approach, more children would get meaningful assessments with effective learning plans, while being treated with dignity and respect. Thank you, Dr. Pohlman!

Revealing Minds offers educators a new way of looking at assessment which has been sorely needed in the field for too long. There are so many struggling students who are misunderstood and would benefit from the insights offered by Dr. Pohlman. It is very well-written and accessible - parents also would learn a great deal from this user-friendly book.

This is the most insightful assessment book I have ever read. It should be required reading for all education students as well as anyone who works with children. I only wish it were even longer!

This is one of the best books about assessment that I have ever read. This is a must read for all clinicians and teachers working with children with learning difficulties today. A totally fresh perspective on assessment.

This is one book from the set "What Your Xth Grader Needs to Know" (X = K through 6) edited by Hirsch Jr. I initially purchased the "Second Grader" one for my 7 year old daughter and recently purchased the complete set (since my son will start kindergarten soon). Each book contains American literature, stories/tales from other countries, American and world history, and other knowledge. My daughter enjoys reading from this set of books before her bed time, and I also learnd quite a bit. I highly recommend this set to parents and elementary school teachers.

This is a wonderful book, not only for your children, but for adults as well. I am currently going for my early childhood education degree and I will be taking the GACE exam and this book was recommended to me to help me study. I also have the 1st grade and 2nd grade version of this book...they are also wonderful!!

I learned about this book from the reference list in Beestar Social Studies program (www.beestar.org). Due to the vast differences among schools and teachers in teaching Social Studies, students often received a rather unbalanced treatment of the subject. This book comes as a rescue of the situation. It tells you clearly what your child should know as a fifth grader. My child picked up several important chapters from this book that somehow were never taught by his teacher. And yes the knowledge has been very useful in state tests. I'm very glad that we had this book.

I found this book to be very informative not only for young students, but also as a refresher for adults. As a future instructor, I find this book helpful not only for information, but also for "short and interesting" presentational information. It is short and to the point. I recommend the series (all grades) to everyone involved with students regardless of age. I have obtained four of the series for the age groups that I am working with currently.

I'm a big proponent of Core Knowledge schools since an organized curriculum that sequentially goes from grade to grade is sorely lacking in many public schools today. Too many elementary classrooms are guided simply by what a given teacher is interested in and there is often no consistency even within grade levels in a single school. Core Knowledge maps out a curriculum of what students should be taught during each elementary grade so they have the skills and knowledge educated people commonly possess. The What Your____________ Grader Needs To Know book series by E.D. Hirsch Jr. is the general outline for what is taught in each grade in Core Knowledge. The fifth grade book is very readable for a student of that age but also interesting enough for the parent to be genuinely engaged with the material. Poems and other samples from literature are included along with the math, science, social studies, art and language sections. This can be a useful supplemental book to a child following any curriculum but every parent whose child is in a core knowledge school will want to have access to this book.

A very practical source for new Kindergarten teachers. Absolutely easy to use and tailor to your own classroom needs. I used many of these ideas the first week of school and will continue to tap this source throughout the school year.

the book is well written, the authors know what they are talking about and the content is worth reading.

Great ideas, especially for getting to know your students and getting them prepared for coming to class on the first day.

The only thing I don't like is the layout. The pages are those cheap, off-white type sheets, which makes it slightly tougher to read. The pictures would have also been more helpful if they were in color.

Overall, an okay read and worth the $12.00

I would also recommend: Early Learning Environments that work, and Designs for Living and Learning.

The book had many wonderful ideas for kindergarten.....not so many for preschool age. I wish I had bought a used copy $$$$$.

This book may have been written by a real teacher, but you will learn absolutely nothing new about working with kindergarten kids from her. The authors regurgitate well-learned ideas and praise themselves for the "novelty" of incorporation of these in practice. This book may be somewhat well suited for new-graduates, that yearn for examples of how things work. But even new graduates eventually develop an aversion to the patronizing self-praising style of these authors. Dont waist your money, buy something else!