Education Teaching Books

I bought this book for Master's level class on Children's Literature, and it's a great book. It's easy to read, and jam-packed with useful information. This is a book I will keep & not sell back.

required for course but never used...did see some good resources in it though.

The preface of this title describes it as "a children's literature textbook for people who don't like children's literature textbooks" (p. v) which sets the tone for the rest of the text. Tunnell and Jacobs, both instructors of children's literature from Brigham Young University, offer an introduction to children's literature that is entertaining and educational.

The book is divided into three parts: "The Magic of Books;" "The Books Themselves;" and "Books in the Classroom." The first section discusses the value of reading, why children don't read, how to distinguish between literary quality and personal taste, and how to recognize books that are well-written and well-illustrated. The second section tackles the history of children's literature as well as organization of children's books into nine separate genres: picture books, poetry, traditional fantasy, modern fantasy, contemporary realistic fiction, historical fiction, biography, informational books, and multicultural and international books. The third section describes controversial books and the most effective way to deal with challenges, how to motivate students to read, and teaching with children's books. The aim of the book is to provide "an overview to shed light on children's literature and its use with young readers" (p. v).

Throughout the text, many examples of quality children's literature are used to illustrate particular points the authors want to make. All book references are included at the end of each chapter and each genre's chapter features a list of "books we like," compiled by the authors, which provides bibliographic information as well as a brief summary of the work. Included with the book is a children's literature database CD which contains a listing of 20,000 children's books which can be sorted by title, genre, grade level, topics, author, illustrator, year, or publisher. Instructions on how to use the CD-ROM are located in the back of the book at the end of the last chapter and they include color graphics to illustrate what the database's interface looks like as well as the tools used to sort books into categories.

One of this book's greatest strengths is that it is written with humor, reads like a dialogue, and is organized in a logical way. The authors draw readers into the realm of children's literature with teasers excerpted from various titles, descriptions of interesting books, and providing interesting facts about children, their literature, and its history. Appended at the end of the book are "Guidelines for Building a Classroom Library;" book selection aids, a list of magazines for children, awards in children's literature, and information for anyone interested in publishing a children's book. The awards section and books selection section are particularly useful to anyone starting out in collection development (or those who have been doing it for a while) as well as those interested in finding award-winning books for children.

While this text is not an exhaustive look into the world of children's literature, it is not intended to be. It does, however, provide a stellar introduction to the subject and provides readers with enough information to distinguish quality literature from poor, to understand genre differences, and to be able to motivate children to read, which is the most important lesson of all.

This was used as a textbook in my children's literature class and I'm glad it was! It really gets away from the conventional textbook by having the info relaying in an easy-going context.

The best way to study children's literature is to read actual children's books, not to study textbooks about them!

The authors of this text are among the few that recognize this truth. Consequently the chapters are purposefully (and generally) short and to the point. Each chapter includes authors' recommendations as well as qualities to avoid in each genre. Appendices are informative (see the information about Awards for children's and young adult lit).

The 4th edition (2007) is even better: the CD database includes over *20,000* children's book titles that you can search (by title, author, genre, format etc), build lists, and customize information for your own purposes. (One small annoyance within the database is the lack of a "back" button - hopefully future editions will improve on this.)

In my 14+ years of college textbook studying, this is one of the better texts to hold my interest and give me information I needed. It is well-written, well-designed, and very helpful. I'll use this (and the database) as a resource on a regular basis in my work with young children and their reading.

I had no complaints at all. The book was in excellent condition.

This is a text, but is very informative and easy to read. It certainly is applicable to the subject matter for which it is being used.

This is a simple to follow instruction book that guides you through reviewing and writing an Educational Research paper. It provides easy to follow explanations on Quantitative and Qualitative Research methods, as well as details on running these types of research with integrity. The website that you gain access to for this book is phenomenal with a self-study guide and quiz for each chapter. I had to purchase this book for a Master's Program I am in, but it will be one I keep on my shelf of treasured resources.

Not sure what the other reader was talking about. I am an agnostic so I am pretty aware when people try and slip God in to the equation. I was also a teacher. Not only does Love and Logic work in the classroom but it does amazing things with my kids. I have 2 toddlers and I think the Love and Logic books and videos are an indespensible resource. It seems to me that the previous reviewer was just looking for a forum to rant about something totally unrelated to these books. He also wasn't reviewing this book - I guess some people will actually mislead people to try and get their voice heard. Charles Fay and Foster Cline (founders of Love and Logic) are from Evergreen, Colorado - not Colorado Springs and have nothing to do with the whole "family first" thing. There is no affiliation whatsoever. Again, not sure what the other reviewer was talking about - but it is a shame that he may turn people away from a resource that is the most effective tool I have come across to raise children who are responsible, able to make choices effectively, have great self-esteem, and to avoid all the arguments and power struggles that come with parenting.

There is a lot of info. in this book. I took the CLAD exam 7 years ago and remember a lot of the same content. This book goes a step farther than theory and has real-life senerios with a focus on different cultures/children learning English. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about teaching English Language Learners.

This book is an excellent tool for teachers seeking to improve their instructional practices. It is also a very useful tool for teacher trainers who wish to help educators in the process of reaching English Language learners (ELLs). It explains how effective teachers can reach ELLs. Although short, every page is worth reading.

This was exactly the book i needed and I got it for a great price. The delivery timing wa s perfect as well and very fast.

This beats reading the 2-inch thick Fountas and Pinell "Guiding readers and writers." This book took the most important information of a readers' workshop and put them in a quick and easy "how-to" format. The book was a quick read over the summer and I have a lot more confidence in what I am doing in the classroom. The teacher tips are especially helpful.

One of THE most helpful books I've ever read regarding reader's workshop. I have used (and shared) this techniques over and over with my students & colleagues. I can't imagine my reader's workshop without this resource! You shouldn't either. It's worth the $15 and then some!! (Also just saw these same ladies came out with one on writer's workshop, can't wait to read that!)

I think my son has read this book 30 times now. I don't think I need to say any more.

It is more than obvious that Joanna Cole (author) and Bruce Degen (illustrator) had the time of their lives bringing this book to fruition. Penned in 1997, "The Magic School Bus and the Electric Field Trip" is packaged to the bursting point with anything and everything that has to do with electricity. There's so much going on here that a simple one-sided scorecard just won't suffice upon delving into Ms. Frizzle's latest adventure. It is Cole and Degen's most action-packed and tightly-woven collaboration yet. One senses from just taking in the first few pages that author and illustrator poured every fiber of their being into the Friz's ninth science-related field trip for children.

Our story starts off with a bang when a surprise guest bounces into class, positively charged with energy. She looks to be the spitting-image of Ms. Frizzle, only much younger.

"Hello, Aunt Valerie," says the girl, kissing the Friz on the cheek.

"My niece, Dottie Frizzle, is visiting today," adds Ms. Frizzle. "Dottie, we're learning about electricity!"

And so, while a thunderstorm rages on outside, our favorite frizzy-haired teacher begins her lesson for the day. She starts by breaking down a diagram of an atom. Then she points out the relationship between electrons (tiny parts of the atom that circle around its core) and electric current (where electrons are pulled away from their hosts and form a steady stream of movement). This is what gives us electricity.

Then, before the Friz can move onto magnetic current (the cousin of electric current), the lights all over school suddenly go out and the classroom is plunged into total darkness. Outside, a hearty roar of thunder echoes over the students' heads.

"There's no electricity!" someone yells.

"We're experiencing a blackout," notes Ms. Frizzle. And according to Gregory, a student in the class, a blackout happens when electric current stops flowing from the power plant to the community.

Why has this occurred? What can anyone do about it? Will this be the end of our story?

"To the bus, everyone!" orders the Friz, brandishing her trusty umbrella like a valiant knight's sword. "Let's find out what happened."

And so begins the wildest adventure Ms. Frizzle and her students have ever undertaken, one that will start at the heart of a power plant and, zooming along with millions of electrons, lead them all over town -- the library, Jo's Diner, student Phoebe's house, and back to school again.

Readers and students alike will learn all about electricity; its many uses, how it is made, and the safety hazards of working with it. They will come to understand the very important role magnetism plays in producing large amounts of electricity. They will familiarize themselves with terms such as "transformers" and "volts."

And that is only scratching the surface of this most densely-packed field trip to date. It would be hard for any author-illustrator team to keep upping the ante nine books into a series. But Cole and Degen prove themselves just as fresh and inspired as ever. "Electric Field Trip" will require second readings to fully grasp all the concepts presented in this book, which Cole and Degen fully acknowledge within the story. Electricity, atoms, watts, magnetism -- it's highly sophisticated and complicated material, even for the most advanced readers. And the fact that Cole and Degen plowed full steam ahead with the subject matter without batting an eyelash is to be commended. Readers will most certainly be rewarded for the time they spend poring over this book.

In keeping with tradition, Cole and Degen leave readers with two familiar mainstays at the end of the tale. Clearly explained are the things made up for story purposes. What's nicer is that Cole and Degen have added a new twist this time around, which makes distinguishing fact from fiction in the story more enjoyable than ever. And then there is the enticingly sweet tidbit to leave readers with a sampling of what's next in store for the Friz and her posse. It's hard to put a finger on what it could be, exactly . . . but one senses that it will quench your thirst for knowledge, you hear?

As Ms. Frizzle herself would say, "If there's no flow, then it's no go!"

This book is a great book to learn about electricity. My daughter wants me to read it to her over and over, and I have learned from it, too!

This is an assigned text in a course I am taking. It seems like a good choice so far, but I've only read one chapter. The book arrived in good shape. The packaging was very good-no bent book covers.

This book changed the way I design my college level courses in a very effective and enjoyable way. It will give you a lot of insight on the design of courses that will encourage students to continue learning. I also enjoyed all the reference on the results of scientific work that deals with innovative teaching methods. You will love this book.

Fink starts with an interesting proposition: What do you want your students to know several years from now?
To be realistic, while it would be great for my students to have a working sociological vocabulary five years from now - I would rather they look at their world with respect and understanding, treat other people with dignity and grace, and be able to think critically about the world around them.
Fink proposes that curricula and teaching methods can (and should) be changed to meet the ever changing educational needs and dynamics of today's students. The text soundly lays out justification for the change in educational environments, and provides a sound framework to build classes that reach beyond memorization and regurgitation. Fink advocates setting students up for success by meeting their needs for core subject components, tying subject matter together with other subjects, personal life experiences, and the student's social context. The logical effect being, students who learn more, because they want to, and retain the material longer.

I dropped the grad course I was taking that req'd this book; however, the book itself contains a lot of really terrific ideas and is easily understood.

This book is worth it. I graduated from a graduate program (in education) and this information has increased/expanded my knowledge as to how things must be done in the classroom (when teaching, when testing, and when lecturing). For example, each square of information must be related to the other square of information in order to reach ones point with ones students. Education is about detail. Let this information from this book change the way you see and teach the information you have obtained a degree in. Let it take you to new spheres, or portals of information that were always present in the work that you do, but that you never saw because one lacked the tools in order to open up those worlds. Create beauty in the work that you create (in the quizzes, in the lesson plans, in the rubrics chart, in the surveys, etc.) What you lecture must be from the book, and what you assign for reading must mirror the lecture, and that equals learning.

Education masters graduate.

I just completed the mathematics PraxisII exam and found the exam to be very straightforward and almost pathetically easy. Everything you need to know for the exam is covered in this study guide (and then some). The actual exam is slightly harder than the practice tests given in the study guide, but not drastically harder (as some reviewers here have suggested). The particular test I took had a lot more interpretation of graphs than included in the practice tests...I don't find graph interpretation difficult, so this wasn't a problem for me.

To summarize: practice tests in book are mind-numbingly easy...the actual exam itself was just a notch higher in difficulty, with a rating of "pathetically easy".

read the reviews who said questions too easy which they were. my suggestion search pennsylvania & math praxis II, much better imho, my weak math opinion that is. But I did pass the exam on the 2nd try.

Greetings everyone,

I agree with one of the previous writers. This book was helpful with preparing with some of the content covered on the exam. However, the phrasing of the questions are more straight forward than the questions on the actual test. The questions on the praxis can be wordy and purposefully unclear. You may know a subject matter quite well but the questions may make you feel as if you need to be in the mind of the writer to understand what they are asking. I too left the test unsure of how I did. I am hoping and praying for the best. Good luck and I hope this review helps.

This book is great for a general overview on what is covered on the test. Additional resources are necessary for anything that needs to be learned or relearned.

This book is essentially a rehash of the freely available information about the test from the ETS website with three fairly good practice tests thrown in (in fact it has references to specific page numbers from the ETS website material on almost every page). The review portion of this book is pretty useless. The authors have taken the ETS statements of what content is tested, given brief definitions of what each of those content items is, and completely neglected to give any sample problems to illustrate how to actually do the math. If you're buying this book for anything other than the practice tests, I suggest you search elsewhere. Most egregiously, this book also fails to do one of the most important things for any test prep: explain how the test is graded and give you the ability to generate a practice score. Three tests, three answer keys, no conversion chart for a score?!?

Have you ever wanted your students to do a group activity but you didn't know how to get started? Did you want to make sure the groups were compatible, diverse, and productive? Were you worried about how to assess group work and make sure that every group member was participating equally? Then you need this book! Kagan Cooperative Learning is a necessary tool for succcessful group work. This book and its components are so effective that school districts all over the country are adopting it as their main source for cooperative learning. As a teacher in a county that has done just that, I am very grateful to Spencer Kagan. Before this book (and the workshop), I was terrified to let my students do group work. Now, though, I have the most useful tool I have ever owned and my students do group work succesfully and very often. Some of the things you will learn from this book include: how to form groups (randomly, homogeneously, and heterogeneuosly), activities for establishing group rapport, how to assign effective and well-defined roles to each group member, teaching social skills, ensuring equal participation and positive interdependence, and how to assess work. I highly encourage every teacher to get this book. Just keep your eye on it because your colleagues will want it for their own!

This book has drastically changed how I teach in my third grade classroom. All of the cooperative learning activities that Kagan outlines in this book are well researched and are easy to implement. These activities are great for any grade level, and my school has successfully used them with teachers at staff inservices and meetings. Through cooperative learning ideas outlined in this book my students have learned content in a way that builds social skills and self-esteem. All teachers should have this book on their desks at all times!