Education Teaching Books

This book rules!!! it is an awesome book for any future writer. It has great tips, quizzes, and activities to stretch your writing skills.

Writing Smarts: A Girl's Guide to Writing Great Poetry, Stories, School Reports, and More! is sheer perfection. It offers virtually the same kinds of information presented at adult writing seminars in a friendly, accessable and breezy manner that young students will immediately adore.

This book is a must buy -- it will enrich your child's academic and creative performance for many years to come.

In April I sent my daughter to a day-long activity at a local college, where Kerry Madden led a writing workshop for girls. I imagine many of the exercises came from WRITING SMARTS. My daughter enjoyed Ms. Madden's class and now can't put her pen or pencil down. She's always writing something for me to read or look at. We now own the book. I think my daughter is on her way to becoming a writer because of Ms. Madden's book and the workshop. This book is a must have if you have a daughter and want to boost her creativity and voice.

I love this book so much and I'll tell you why. It gives you so many helpful ideas and hints. It's filled with tests on what you've read and writing activites. I happy I bought this book actually when I was in NY at the american girl building. ( check it out in NY.) and im sure you'll be happy too.
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This is the best book I've found on writing tips,ideas,and other helpful stuff. The colorful pictures,clear writing,and friendly attitude make the book fun to read and use instead of boring,confusing,and difficult to read and use,like most of the books on writing I've read. This book has helped me make my own writing a ton better! I'd give this book 6 stars if I could.If you need help on any writing of any kind,you need to buy this book!

I purchased this book for a college class. My professor told me that this book was the best book to read to prepare for my state educational leadership certification test.

Book Review: Curriculum: Foundations, Principles, and Issues by Ornstein and Hunkins

This book discusses various curriculum approaches and is an excellent source of information about philosophical, historical, psychological, and social foundations of curriculum. It discusses curriculum theory, curriculum development and curriculum designs. This book explains the taxonomic levels and approaches to educational objectives. It identifies curriculum implementation models and numerous curriculum evaluation models. It ends with a discussion of curriculum issues, trends and future directions. This book is an excellent source of theory related to curriculum and should be helpful to faculty and students studying curriculum and to anyone involved in developing curriculum.

This is a very comprehensive book, and for the most part, very evenly written. Information about the history of curriculum is excellent, well organized and in great detail. Information about the processes of curriculum writing is outstanding - extremely thorough, complete and exhaustive in scope - and quite valuable as a reference. The last section of the book covers what directions new curricula might move, with information about what has changed, and predictions about what will change. Here the high quality of the writing and information evaporates, revealing quite inappropriate bias, slipshod research, vague or incorrect information, and gaps in continuity. I got more reliable, unbiased and accurate information on the last topics from a much older (different) source book.
I used the bulk of this book as a valuable source and reference in classwork and curriculum writing, but the latter part is inappropriate and unreliable for that.

I purchased this book, along with two others from the Responsive Classroom series ("The First Six Weeks of School" and "The Morning Meeting Book"). This book was easy to read--it consists of several short articles on various topics that teachers address at the beginning of the school year. As a first-year teacher, I had no experience setting up a classroom. This book gave me lots of background knowledge about the issues I'd face, so I felt much more prepared when I met my parents at Open House night and my students on the first day of school. The book also fits in very nicely with the other two books I purchased from the series. Very helpful!!

This is a very easy to read book filled with lots of tidbits of information for establishing rules, building a sense of community among students, introducing materials through guided discovery and creating a healthy partnership between schools and parents. Teachers will learn the three R's of proactive disipline: Reinforce, Remind and Redirect. The exerpts come from The Responsive Classroom Newsletter which is a free publication printed three times a year and available through Northest Foundation for Children. Their address can be found in the book. I strongly recommend this book especially for beginning teachers.

I rarely have any time for reading, but I made the time for this book. I finished it last night around 3:00 am. Jonathan Mooney is honest and insightful and isn't afraid to set aside his perspective in order to uncover the capacities and beauty and communal connection of others. Ok, now that I have waxed philosophical, let me say that I have a child who has Down Syndrome and this book made me a better parent, not necessarily because of my child's "disability", but because I now have a better understanding of every person's right to a place in my community, in your community all over the world, every person. After reading this book it will be harder for anyone to justify extreme prejudice or segregation, which is more alive and well in our country and any of us would care to admit. Thank You Jonathan.

I didn't ride the short bus; I came from a previous generation. However, Jonathan's experience rang true. I didn't hear any false notes. Getting my doctorate didn't take away the scars from the educational system. But I came from a different era. That's why I couldn't believe my eyes when I read the one negative review posted by J O'neil.

Certain words have an emotional impact and are only said to hurt. To publically shame a LD person for mispelling something is familiar and one of the most abusive things we can experience. It's a not-so-sublte way in our culture to win an agrument or to announce to the world that you think someone is stupid. Spelling is a gift that many LD people don't have, even though we possess many marvelous gifts. Yet O'Neil, a principal of a LD program no-less, did this. What is most disturbing is that this person seems blind to the irony. There are good teachers who fight this sick system, where these attitudes are tolerated. Thanks to J O'neil, the problem is all there in a paragraph--everything that Jonathan articulated. As I said, I found his insights about school true and I thank him for expanding the conversation.

Jonathan also takes on the issue of "normal," something that gets kicked around loosely but seldom discussed in depth. His reflections allowed me to look beyond myself, again, to the bigger question of how we all fit in this larger community. He does this in a way that's both fair and sensitive. Thanks.

What a must-read for all of us! And I do mean all of us. In The Short Bus, Jonathan Mooney travels far outside his own experience and across America to discover for himself (and us) what it means to experience life in America if one is not "normal." His journey and the conclusions he draws from it provide profound contributions to America's self view as a society and culture. It offers a much needed look in the mirror.
The short bus for Jon, and for all students labeled LD, symbolizes the well intentioned but nonetheless painful humiliation administered daily to the children relegated to it. Our children were labeled and then separated from their peers and their classroom because they didn't fit or belong in the classroom with the "normal" kids. Hoping to rediscover and heal from the pain inflicted by these experiences, Jon tours some of America's other labeled individuals: a deaf and blind student who curses her teachers in sign language, an eccentric man with Aspergers who creates his own community connections in remarkable ways, and a young woman with Down Syndrome who is so unforgettable, her story continues to both haunt and comfort me long after putting the book down. With each individual, Jon explores his own feelings of wariness, prejudice and confusion that most of us experience but rarely admit when we confront folks who are clearly "not normal" or "disabled." He comes to know each of them, overcoming his feelings and soon understands their incredible gifts and how important they are to us as a community. We see, as he sees, the important and precious place each holds in the fabric of society. As we become increasingly engaged with our new acquaintances and learn to appreciate them in inimitable ways, we begin to cry out against "the tyranny of normalcy" because we discover how thoroughly the notion of "normalcy" threatens the heart of humanity.
It is a coming of age story, to be sure, but The Short Bus is far more important and much bigger than a personal journey. In addition, Jon's research and analysis provide us with a historical, medical and sociological context for the labels assigned to each of the marvelous individuals we meet on the short bus. Jon's voice is always honest and questioning, his insight intelligent and boundless, and of course, the book, like the author, is rich in humor.
The Short Bus is ultimately a celebration of life, providing a roadmap to empowerment and a deep appreciation for diversity, underscoring society's need to do so. It's an honest, painful, humorous and always engaging journey, and it's well worth the ride.

This author came to speak to my son's class in Oakland. My son came home raving about Jonathan and how he "really really gets it." I ordered this book and could not put it down. As a parent of twins with LD, I can tell you, he really, really gets it. My sons have had the same type of classes/teachers described in the book, and yes, they are out there and they do exist. I know,let's blame the parents for abdicating responsiblity and basically being the problem. All parents of special needs kids have heard the same responses from the employees of the public system. The system "sucks" and we/they continue to deny it. I plan on giving this book to all my friends for Christmas. Read it. Even if this is not your kid, I can attest to the fact that there are millions of these "lost kids" out there with no heroes out there to rescue them.

I thought this book was going to offer some hope and practical wisdom.
Rather, its a chronicle of the author's search for validation that offers no real insight into how one can deal with ADD (unless railing against norms helps.) Though the heart of his "success" story is to have graduated from Brown, he does not actually seem to have overcome anything to do so - its just another adventure on his way to who knows where. He's a likeable character and the stories of his trip across country are amusing enough. But I was pretty sick of his obsessive musings about his girlfriend and seriously worried about the families that reached out to him for advice and encouragement for their own "beyond normal" children. He was admittedly not equipped for either, other than to say: I was once a "tard" on the short bus but now I'm here!! I wish him all the best anyway.

Very worthwhile purchase for anyone who teaches math to intermediate students. The suggested activities are not found in any other math books I have seen and should help create math learners who are not "formula" driven.

Van de Walle breaks down problem based classrooms in an understandable format. This book really helps teachers hone their skills in hands on/problem based teaching for mathematics. There are lots of activities to help you teach your students. This book is a must have for 5-8 Mathematics teachers.

I like this book, I own both K-2 & 3-5. There's alot of overlap so I recommend which ever age group you would use it with more.

A professor recommended Van de Walle's books to me so I bought this one. This book explains how to teach math so that students build on existing knowledge, rather than learn sets of algorithms without understanding their meaning. It offers a range of specific lessons for all math topics for grades 5 - 8, it explains how to teach the same topics to diverse learners, how to teach to the standards. It comes with amazing templates that are downloadable. It shows you how to take advantage of your existing math textbook, supplementing it to make it more student-focused.

Recieved item on time, right when we were told it would arrive. Book in very good condition.

great book for those of us wanting to urge the schools to include art teachers in their curriculum!

Well, there was some things in there that were informative, the reading was clear. A bit boring and some what common sense stuff. I guess when I was reading it I felt like I was reading stuff I already knew, yet I never read about before. I don't know... you be the judge.

If you think the Arts don't matter anymore, I'm here to tell you to THINK again.

As a second grade teacher I find Jensen's work a must-read for every parent and educator. The Arts really do play an important part in education; whether the Arts fall under musical, visual, or in kinesthetic. The Arts will enhances the neurobiological system (Jensen, 2001, p. 116) or the brain, increasing a healthy responsive learning environment to other disciplines/subjects that are outside of the Arts.

Jenson discussed in-depth how each of the three Arts are important and why they should be part of every school's curriculum.

Simply a great book!

With a sometimes harsh style sometimes subjective, Mr. Jensen provides us with a leading path to make a coherent relation between the brain an it's development and the education in arts. Not very detailed with the ideas and paradigms but effective to motivate our curiosity in the field. With the arts education in the middle of a crucial crisis in the U.S., the "new idea" (for the positivist people) of a direct effect of the arts education in the development of high cognitive skills, provide a solid fundamental for the importance of this matter. At least, is a very serious proposal, well supported by researchers in the field.

If you've read a lot of Coach Wooden's books, you may be familiar with his wisdom, maxims and his wonderful pyramid of success; this book studies the methodology of his teaching and how he applied his wisdom to the successful transfer of knowledge and skills. If you're a teacher, buy this book!

Any coach should take the philosophies of John Wooden to heart, they work! Using his teachings you can win games and the players have a heck of a lot better experience. After a dismal record in only my 2nd season fresh out of college I started researching his work, and applying it - only to have one losing season over the next 7. Started to get away from his teachings recently making my frustration levels go through the roof so bought this book as a refresher, it helped and recommend it to all coaches.

Ron Gallimore and Swen Nater combine their incredible knowledge about teaching and basketball to deliver a new and insightful look at the teaching practice of John Wooden. The book is a wonderful balance of personal stories from Nater and insights about teaching and learning from Gallimore that demonstrate just how incredibly wise, intentional, and gifted The Coach was and is. This book demonstrates the hard work, preparation, courage, and commitment to continuous learning that defines quality teaching. A must read for every teacher and coach.

Swen Nater knows John Wooden - that much is clear. Clear too, is what a great teacher John Wooden was and, continues to be. This is a book any teacher can learn from. Sure it is great for coaches, but when a teacher is looking for guidance on how to handle varying student potential within their class, is it better to treat everyone the same - or to treat each individual differently, according to their personality, talent, ability, commitment etc. as Wooden did? Swen does a great job of interjecting his own life's experience into the priniciples Wooden taught. And he uses those of "Alcindor", Wicks, Walton, Allen and others to make the stories fit the lesson. This is textbook material, or should be required reading for aspiring or experienced teachers - 5 Stars plus!

I am disappointed because I read the description and reviews that said this book would TEACH children how to tell time. I read statements about this being a complete book, and children didn't understand how to tell time until they used this book.
Those are misleading statements. (In my opinion) A person that knows nothing about telling time, cannot learn soley by this book. Someone still needs to explain it.
That said, I think this is a Great WORKBOOK. It has many exercises that include learning to read time charts (as in a shark feeding schedule for 3 sharks). There practices for analog and digital times, and many "word problems" to figure out what time certain events happen. That takes up the first 132 pages of the book. Pages 133 - 316 are money exercises. It shows the front and back of each denomination of coin, and explains how much each one is worth, and introduces the dollar bill.
The exercises are colorful and fun. This book will also help children practice writing numbers. They will learn different ways to pay the exact amount for items (which coins to use).
There are award certificates to fill in when the child has finished all the assignments.
The back pages are answer sheets, and tucked inside the back page is a bookmark/ruler.
I recommend this Workbook-"The Complete Book of TIME & MONEY" - it is worth the retail price; even better at the sale price.

Our child was struggling to learn the concepts of time and money. So I turned the to the familiar Complete Book series in search of a book on the topic. Viola! The search engine here on Amazon picked the Complete Book of Time and Money. The title of this book really says it all. It is a book which will teach your child step by step to master the concepts of time and money. The pages are parent/child friendly with clear instructions and colorful illustrations throughout. By the time your child has completed this book they will have a firm grasp on the concepts of time and money.

We got this book yesterday for our 4 years in Walmart for $10.00 along with a set of coins for $2.00. Started today with the money section. We were working with it for two hours without a break until I got tired myself. Great approach and sequencing, and fun for a child. Definitely must to have.

This book is fun and paced so that your child can "jump in" wherever they need some extra help or understanding. After doing plenty of pages in this (big) book, your child will definitely have a firm grasp on the subject of money.

I came across this book originally at Sam's club for $4.99, and picked it up for my son. We are homeschooling 6 children and my wife liked the book so much that she color-copies the pages so my daughter can also do the assignment. She makes several copies so even the little ones can 'try' it.

Unfortunately, the cost of color printing at home is not negligible. Since she liked it so much I returned to Sam's to buy 5 more copies, but they were sold out and would not re-stock. I hesitated in paying $10-11 per copy, but the kids really eat this up and have rocketed in their understanding of time, money and math in general using this book. It is a great accessory for learning.

I finally bit the bullet and bought 5 more copies at the $10-11 price. It will be worth it, considering that is the cost of one print cartridge for a color printer these days.

I only regret I did not know how good this book was, and I did not purchase several copies the first time around.

My son is not a fan of writing, but this workbook has broken it into segments that he can easily digest and understand. Thank you!

The Spectrum series has very good information and activities in it. I have used the upper elementary grade books in middle school, and the middle school grade books for high school. The Spectrum series is very good.

My 7th grader can do the work, but finds it boring. It's just like homework. The book has no illustrations, in not fun, ect.