Teaching Books

This is our second purchase of the Story of the World series. All three of my school age kids (6,8,10 yrs.) just love to listen to these tapes. It is giving all of us (mom included) a much more comprehensive picture of all the parts of history we have learned with other books. We highly recommend this product for your family as a history program or just for listening to in the car for fun. The acitvity book is also full of great ideas for making this as involved or as simple as you would like it to be.

My children (ages 6 and 14) studied through volumes 1 and 2 last year for our homeschool social studies curriculum. Volume 3 is everything we hoped for to extend our knowledge! The activity guides have proven to be a vital resource to cut some preparation time for lessons. In Volume 3 each chapter covers a slightly broader time frame, making it even more important to follow up the lesson with additional activities. We recommend Story of the World to all our homeschool friends.

I really love the Books. I have them all and they are so brilliantly written and engaging for my son. Makes planning activities for Social Studies so easy for me.
Thanks!

Coupled with the Story of the World text, the Activity Book has been the cornerstone of our somewhat reluctant venture into homeschooling. (We had a sudden overseas move and had to jump into homeschooling with little preparation.) Studying history has proven essentially effortless because the book and activities are so interesting that my 8-year-old begs to do her work. As non-religious academic types ourselves, we were wary of religious biases in the texts we chose for our kids; we've been very happy with the author's balanced treatment.

For the teaching parent, the lists of supplementary materials are invaluable -- exceptionally well-organized and researched, and the editors have been sure to include reading materials for different levels, which we have appreciated since it means we can easily include the 4-year-old in our stories. Every chapter includes review questions to test comprehension orally, then several worksheets which may include maps, coloring pages, and other activities. Many include recipes from the place and time being studied -- always a hit with the kids. All have worked well so far. The map work is a great follow-up as well, walking the student step-by-step through visual representations of different topics covered in the text (coloring the Triangular Trade route used by slave traders, for example). Although there's no way any student could complete all the suggested activities in a school year, I love the freedom of picking and choosing the activities that best suit and interest my daughter.

As suggested by the Activity Book, we're assembling all this work into a history notebook, a 3-ring binder full of my daughter's work. This serves the dual purpose of reminding her how much she's learned and giving us tangible proof of the homeschooling process. In short, this book has transformed us into homeschoolers and history buffs. Very useful.

The book has been updated with the most current and emerging technologies and their use in the classroom. The emphasis continues to be in the integration of technology in the instructional process and the utilization of the ASSURE model to guarantee success. The classroom examples in the included DVD will appeal to the needs of the visual learners. Of particular interest for the veteran teacher or media specialist are the integration ideas and the teaching strategies for each media presented. The inclusion of sample rubrics and checklists will provide plenty of ideas for assessment. A must buy for National Board candidates.

Many technology books are outdated by the time they are published. I am pleased to say that this book methodically moves through effective instruction and then how to use technology to aid it. I will be using this book as a reference for some time to come.

I wasn't impressed with this book for two separate reasons. Firstly, the production standard struck me as almost 1960s' in style - black and white photos (nice 'grainy' look), big bulky monitors and a general aged format. It is peculiar I agree, but the book looks like it was written at least 30 if not 40 years ago. The second set of quibbles I have with the text is that it presume the reader is almost completely ignorant of any kind of presentation technology. This assumption may have been acceptable several decades ago but the universality of TV seriously undermines its value. Television is constantly exposting the public to new technologies. For instance, in the text there is a piece with graphic devoted to how to load a slide projector. How relevant is that to today's classroom? Moreover, any decent bit of kit comes with instructions. I accept that the authors wish to do a thorough hand holding with the reader, but the book assume too little exposure to technology which renders it advice mediocre in places. Possibly it should be retitled Instructional Media Technology for Complete Dummies. The bits on the web are small (literally bits) which is not a good sign. Overall, the book was lightweight - possibly I am being unfair as I am not looking for the technology it covers, but for review of current and future developments. In any event I regret buying the book as it doesn't fit my needs and I didn't like its presentation style. It is a tired book, more like jaded, that does not mesh well with the style culture of modern multimedia technology.

As a co-author, I can report that Instructional Media upholds the tradition established by this textbook in 1982. It is aimed primarily at those who are at the entry level in terms of using media for education or training. It helps instructors decide what media to use for different teaching/learning situations, and gives practical tips on HOW to achieve the best effect when using technology. The book began with a focus on audiovisual media; the sixth edition retains the most relevant audiovisual content, but shifts focus toward computer-based delivery. What remains constant is the conviction that effectiveness of mediated instruction depends very much on what the instructor does...how the technology is integrated into the overall learning program.

Pay no attention to one gentleman's "Apple Pie" comment about the step-by-step instructions included in this book. After all, not everyone is as technologically adept as he may be. If you have already mastered such technology, then this material is possibly too basic for you. But for the rest of us, one of the major benefits of this book is indeed the fact that the instructions have been so clearly presented!

If you are an educator, as I am, and you are looking to learn more about real-world technology as it applies to your classroom or learning center, then I HIGHLY recommend this book (8th Ed.).

my daughter HATES to write. we've been using this program for a week, and already the sentences chosen to copy are so intriguing for her she actually requested we check out the book it's taken from. this is the child that doesn't have patience for chapter books. she's already read through 24 pages of it within the first two days of starting it. but i digress...

this copy work and narrative work is exactly what my daughter needs. mrs. bauer is precisely right when she teaches the parent that writing from thoughts is a two step process and the children need to be taught how to do those steps separately (copy work & narration - parent writes the narration). my child continuously gave me zippy little narratives because she didn't want to copy down big long sentences after she was done thinking it through. with the time to grow her writing ability even five words at a time while simultaneously strengthening her summary and narration skills, she is now on the path for inevitable success.

the best part is these writing exercises take no more than 5-10 minutes per day, four days per week. ahhh, gone are the cries in protest when i announce it's time to do writing! thank you susan bauer yet again!

CAVEAT:
Take this preliminary review with a particular grain of salt, for I am an English teacher who unabashedly embraces "The Well-Trained Mind" philosophy behind the Wise-Bauer/Buffington writing team. While this review is a bit premature, I am hopeful that my children will reap benefits similar to those acquired through their related Peace Hill Press grammar and history series.

THEORY:
SWB explains that her motivation for this book was her experience as an ivy league college professor of literature and history. Simply put, her well-educated students could not write well. She argues against the theory that one should "Give the children high-interest assignments and have them write, write, write, and revise, revise, revise." This is not how I was taught to write, but it WAS how I was taught to teach, and I, too, endured the blank and panicked students' stares produced by that philosophy.

SWB compares writing to a foreign language. The conventions must be absorbed before the non-native speaker is fluent. Says Wise-Bauer, "Imagine that you have had a year or so of conversational French...After the first year, your teacher asks you to explain the problem of evil in French...(it would be impossible) to express complicated ideas in a medium that is unfamiliar... The conventions...need to become second nature -- invisible -- so that you can concentrate on the ideas rather than the medium." Speech is natural and necessary. Writing is not. Many can, and do, get by without learning to write well.

PRACTICALS:
In Writing With Ease, the elementary years are less about creative output, and more about intake and foundations. The small book is packed with week-by-week exercises (36 for each year) aimed at building one layer at a time. She covers roughly four years in a succinct 216 pages: Years One and Two: Narration, Copywork and Dictation; Years Three and Four: Putting the Steps Together.

The copywork comes primarily from beloved childhood classics such as "Little House" and "Charlotte's Web". No dull prose allowed.

SWB then thoroughly describes the writing process taught through the middle and high school years, giving this homeschooling mom courage. Says Bauer, "The goal is to turn the young writer into a thoughtful student who can make use of written language, rather than struggle with it." She adds, "Good writing requires training. It demands one-on-one attention." To that, I respond with a heart felt "Amen, sister!"

I've given it four stars after I've previewed the contents, but I hope to add the fifth after the year is over.



MY TWO CENTS:
I am ridiculously grateful to have my hands held when it comes to teaching writing! I used to teach grammar and composition on the high school and 8th grade level. I left dismayed and discouraged by the students' response to writing in general (never mind the heinous grammatical butchery -- the slaughter wrought through "texting" still haunts me to this day). They hated and feared writing. I never expected prose worthy of Faulkner, but the ability write simply, clearly, and meaningfully was beyond most -- even the "honor roll" students were woefully inept and overwhelmed by the simplest assignments. I had 145 students x 100 assignments (there were always many who would never in a years' time complete a writing assignment) divided by the few hours I had after the 100 daily "administrative" tasks (I actually had to spend the first ten minutes of each day doing a "clothing check" sending a few students to ISS for violations -- Argh!). There was little time to address the fundamentals so obviously lacking, and even less time for meaningingful (and mostly ignored) editorial, instructive feedback. It will take a better woman than I to turn that tide.

This book is what i had hoped to find. My son has a vivid imagination and talks incessantly. But, when it came time for him to write he would write the simplist of sentances, ie. "I like blue." I was unsure of where to start. With this book I have four years of direction and an understanding of what he should be accomplishing. I have been using this book for 2 weeks now. I can already see a difference. I would never have thought it would help so quickly. I am glad that this book was released just in time for me. I look forward to years of using this book.

This book is a great resource tool to have at your disposal! It provides tips and information not often shared in teaching courses. I highly recommend it.

Although I have been teaching English for twelve years, I will be the department chair for my school for the first time next year. I felt the need to brush up on the latest research and ideas, so I ordered this book, knowing nothing about the author. I was so pleased and still am as I am highlighting and marking all over this book, tagging all the information and examples that might help my fellow teachers. I love the way Burke balances the need to address standards and requirements with creativity and individualism. It's a must have for every English teacher of any level or experience. A great reference book to have easily accessible.

Burke provides countless examples, a number of graphic organizers, and a significant number of personal anecdotes, examples from his students, and further resources. A great book for any secondary English teacher.

This book - like previous editions - is an excellent book for classroom teachers. It covers what an English teacher must know with plenty of excellent facts and practical suggestions. The author knows what he is talking about from years of experience.

That said - there are some problems. Previous editions were quite compact with short but excellent descriptions of what a teacher had to know to put something into practice.. This one is different. The explanations are often much too long and contain a ton of detail, some of which is needed.

Compared to previous editions, this edition need a little slimming down.

This book is an excellent resource for English teachers at any stage in their career.There are excellent suggestions for those seeking employment as an English teacher (chapter 23). Fabulous information is included on teaching and organizing so that you have time for a personal life (a skill I am still trying to master!). There is also great advice for new/newer teachers on creating classrooms that work well and function cohesively. By far though, the single most important quality of this book is Jim Burke's level of professionalism. He makes me proud to be an English teacher, and instills a genuine desire to convey that pride in my profession to my students. No English teacher should be without this book.

This book (3rd Ed.) was my only source to pass all 3 CTEL sections the first time (whew)!! I combined it with the outline given at the CTEL website under "study guide". Basically, I used it to answer the study guide questions from the website.

I knew this book was the bomb when a guy who had taken a $1000. prep course and who sat behind me during the test in Daly City said his instructor taught out of the same book.

I only started skimming the book a week before the exam, BUT I did answer the study guide questions several days before the exam then I crammed.
The material is very logical, but details are a necessity for the 3 essay questions. Good luck!!

maybe the only book out there for reviewing for the CTel/CLAD exams. Not organized for easy organized learning but not too bad. I haven't heard the results of the exams yet...

I just took the CTEL exam today, and I sure am glad that I didn't take it before reading this book. Most of the information over which we were tested was explained in the book. Along with the flashcards, I think this is a wise investment.

This book seriously saved my life while I was studying for the CTEL. I read it from cover to cover in a week. All of the information was useful and helped me pass the test!

It helped me pass the CA CTEL test on the first try. I read no other book, this did it for me.

Arrived in a timely manner, item arrived as described. Very pleased, would do business again with vendor.

HARD COVER IN PERFECT CONDITIONS EXEPT FOR NAME ON SIDE, SPOTLESS INSIDE!! LOOKS LIKE NEW!!!!

AMAZON, I Ordered my book on the 6th. And It Said It would be here on the 9th. Then It Changed To 9-20. Then It Changed To 20-26. MY Son Has Been Missing All Of His Homework Assignments Because You Keep Delaying MY Book. You Guys Are Terriable. Never Purchasing From You Again.

This is an excellent book for intermediate Spanish students. It teaches all Spanish grammar beginning with the most simple and includes the most difficult/advanced topics (subjunctive, etc.). It's written for an intermediate level student with a basic understanding of Spanish who wants to understand it on a deeper level. I highly recommend it!

I purchased this textbook 2 years ago because it looked interesting and informative and as Spanish language educator, I believe it is important to keep abreast of the lastest educative material on the market. Not only was I pleased with the content and the grammar topics covered in the book but I was particularly impressed with the cultural awareness themes in every chapter, the thorough explanation of the grammar concepts and the opportunity to prepare and discuss controversial themes in Spanish thus allowing to student to develop his/her vocabulary and speaking skills. This edition of Conexiones is a complete course for intermediate to advanced Spanish students and if studied thoroughly, to completion with a competent instructor, the student will have and above average foundation in Spanish which would be beneficial to his/her future studies in the Spanish language. I strongly recommend this textbook to teachers and students pursuing advanced knowledge in Spanish.

I just finished reading Frank Viola's new book: Reimagining Church: Pursuing the Dream of Organic Christianity. You've got to read it! Frank has done an excellent job putting together the theological and practical aspects of organic church. This book's message will transform the Christian who has left the institutional church as a reaction to their pain, their offenses, and their disgust and will turn them towards the theological, biblical reason why they need to do church organically.
It seems as though there are two types of people who have abandoned to institutional church; 1) those who have left out of a reaction and 2) those who have left out of biblical conviction. The first group tends to be bitter and angry. Their dialog about church life can be judgmental and caustic. The second group has gotten beyond the reaction and is attempting to be a constructive advocate for the Church as Jesus designed it. If you find yourself in the first group, this book will help you climb out of the hole of negativity and become a constructive proponent for church as it should be based on biblical evidence.
Frank does not pull any punches, and anyone whose life is tied up in the business of churchanity may have trouble with his conclusions. But be careful - truth changes hearts of clay, but will harden hearts of stone. He is also truthful when it comes to the errors seen throughout the house church movement. In fact he even goes as far to say that some of the institutional models are being used by the Lord more than "so-called house churches that are elitist and sectarian." (pg. 267)
If you choose to read "Reimagining Church", (and I hope you do) you will certainly be challenged and encouraged by what the Lord is doing as he builds His Church. Frank's observations and wisdom shines through his attention to detail. This book will serve the Church for ages to come and serve as a tool to keep us focused on real Church. It is truly a benchmark for the body of Christ. Thank you Frank!

I couldn't put this book down! I have read most of Frank's books, including Pagan Christianity, but this one is the best in my opinion. After establishing the foundation of God's relationship with himself in the trinity, he goes on to lay out how God's character is (or should be) reflected in his church. The chapters on "covering" and "authority" are very liberating. A friend who read this book came out of a church where the people in authority were very controlling. This book helped to set her free!

I would highly recommend this book; in fact I did to all my friends. As the companion to Pagan Christianity, this book definitely answers the "What Do I Do Now?" question.

I would take a moment and warn anyone who reads this book, that it has profound implications and will put such a dissatisfaction in your heart for your current experience that you may never be able to go back to the status quo.

Here are a few of the more enlightening quotes from the book:
On Church Unity (119-122)..

"If a group of Christians demands anything beyond a person's acceptance of Christ before admitting that person into fellowship, then that group isn't a church in the biblical sense of the word. It's a sect."

"I believe the division of the Christian church is rooted in the evolution of the clergy/laity class distinction.....Once the clergy/laity fault-line was created, various clergymen began to divide amongst themselves on theological matters. This spawns a self-perpetuating movement that has produced a raft of new sects in every generation."

On the modern clergy system (Page 160)..

"Perhaps the most daunting feature of the clergy system is that it keeps the people it claims to serve in spiritual infancy. Because the clergy system usurps the Christian's right to minister in a spiritual way during corporate gatherings, it ends up debilitating God's people. It keeps them weak and insecure."

"Since the clergy carries the spiritual workload, the majority of the church becomes passive, lazy, self-seeking ("feed me"), and arrested in their spiritual development."

Do you ever wonder why you are bored in Church? It's because you were never meant to be a spectator! Do yourself a favor and read this book!

Derek
SheepleBlog.net

For everyone who initially finished reading "Pagan Christianity?" and still had questions about leadership and how something like "organic church" was even possible, this book is a must have! "Reimaging Church" is the 3rd book in Frank's new 5(Two are left to be released I believe) part series. The first was "The Untold Story of the New Testament" which helped many of us finally make sense of the NT. The next book was "Pagan Christianity?" which traced the roots of the question back to reveal many startling conclusions. Now, "Reimaging Church" takes our breath away as Frank helps us make sense of the concept of organic, first-century church life in today's world.

From the stories of organic church life at the book to the answers to tough questions at the end, "Reimagining Church" continually answers questions that we were left with at the end of "Pagan Christianity?" I'll admit that I personally had tears come to my eyes when I thought of how beautiful the church really is and now my heart is constantly burdened when I think of the bondage the church has allowed to come on herself.

If you read "Pagan Christianity?", this book is the next puzzle piece needed to help complete the picture. I'm sure that the next few books will help complete the picture one piece at a time. One thing's for sure, you can never view the Bible, church, or our Lord the same way ever again. In fact, with a mural this beautiful, you wouldn't ever want to turn your eyes from it.

Reimagining Church by Frank Viola

What a wonderful vision of the functioning church Frank has been able to describe in Reimagining Church. With a solid and dynamic foundation in the fellowship of the Godhead, Frank takes the reader on a journey out of an institutional mindset and into an organic way of seeing what the writers of the scriptures were experiencing and communicating in the letters they wrote. In Frank's own words he says:

"Christians must learn the language of scripture with respect to the church. The original meaning of countless biblical terms like "church, " "minister,""house of God ,".....have largely been lost. These words have been invested with institutional power. A power that was foreign to those who originally penned them."

Reimagining Church challenges the reader's mindset towards a different vista. To see from the table of fellowship in the Godhead and to not settle for the good that we have experienced in the church, but to desire the BEST of what God has intended for the church in its practice and expression of His life. Each chapter takes on well known doctrines and practices of the modern church and lays them out as they are presently practiced, and then, challenges them through the light of God's intention of community with man. In other words, Frank challenges us by asking how our church practices lines up with the reality of God's eternal purpose.

I wholeheartedly recommend this book to all those who have left the institutional form of church and who desire to meet in a practical way under the headship of Jesus Christ. To those of us attempting to meet in an organic way this book is a refreshing and pointed challenge for us to seek the fellowship in the Lord, examine our forms of meeting and yield to his building of us together in Christ.

Over the past 12 years, we have had many visitors to our organic church gatherings. We often ask our visitors if they have questions or comments, but have found that most people don't even know where or how to begin with their questions. With Reimagining Church, many of the "big" questions are asked and answered in a clear way that point's to God's eternal purpose. I believe that being able to put this book in both brothers and sisters hands will help open up understanding and conversation, thus, pointing us into the fellowship of Christ.

Christopher Pridham

I am in my last yr at my college in a degree of education and this book is AWESOME! The only thing I do not like is that it has no glossary. But they words are italized and the chapter is basically spelled out for you.