Teaching Books

A very comprehensive book for those who are interested in using literature circles to boost their students' interest in reading and speaking skills. It can surely help you to gain a very good understanding of what literature circles are and the "tips" provided after the description of every lesson are quite helpful. However, the lessons described in the book are for first language learners and you will need make adaptations if you want to use the ideas with your EFL students.

If you are a teacher like me, or if you are forming a literature group, this book is an excellent resource. It will help you work with students to ensure that they have organized and productive literature cirlce discussions.

Excellent resource. Lots of great ideas, easily adaptable to various grade levels and abilities.

This book is a useful tool if you plan to introduce literature circles into your classroom. It is an easy read, something that one can use as a reference as well as a lesson-planning tool. The way the book is written and organized allows me to use the individual lesson plans with my own literature, whether using novels, short stories or poetry. Having never used literature circles before and being a little skeptical, I am very pleased with this book's ability to explain the benefit and realistic purpose of using them in a high school classroom. The authors have definitely done their research and answer all the questions teachers have regarding the reality of using these circles. I am convinced and am looking forward to implementing them in my own classroom.

The premise behind this book is great. I was hoping to have some instant lessons to use with my fourth grade students. While some of the lessons are adaptable to that age, the activities are really designed for high school classes.

The book was received in excellent condition ("new" as advertised), was competitively priced, and arrived in a very timely fashion. Plus it qualified for free shipping! Will definitely order again in the future.

G.S. Morrison? Jo Ann Brewer? Feeney, Christensen, & Moracivik? Watch Out!

This text packs some major punch...quite unexpectantly.

I've been waiting for this new edition from Gordon & Brown for four years. The last book was pretty intriguing. It had some very well-written sections on DAP, but this book takes a giant leap forward.

The key to a good early childhood introductory textbook is four-fold: (1) affordable, (2) comprehensive, but...,(3)...succinct, and (4) evidence-based. I think this book makes major improvements in three/four parts over the last edition.

Unfortunately, this book is not affordable compared to G.S. Morrison's FUNDAMENTALS OF EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION or Brewer's INTRODUCTION TO EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION which are both under 100 bucks. This book is $103.00. Not good for the money-struggling undergrad or vocational student:(

The other three areas are where it soars pretty, surprisingly high.

It's quite comprehensive, a bit more than Brewer's text and a lot more than Morrison's text, especially in the theoretical parts. Morrison, nor Brewer talks about the transactional aspect of constructivism. Feeney et al's WHO AM I IN THE LIVES OF CHILDREN aludes to it, but that's it. Consequently, BEGINNINGS & BEYOND has new knowledge that these other heavyweights are not pulling.

Compared to Feeney et. al.'s thorough but somewhat drawn out style, this book is as clear as glass. They hit the basics, tell the details, and move on. Sometime's Feeney's book overwhelms while Brewer's and Morrison's books underwhelm. Gordon & Browne...almost get it just right...almost.

I think that an excellent textbook should integrate research into the content because that is where it comes from. Morrison rarely did this in his book while Brewer and Feeney sometimes too zealously integrated it. Gordon & Browne do it sparingly...only when necessary. That's a good approach for an intro text.

Do we have a new champion???

Used as a review tool for a college course after taking a year off in French. Very useful and helpful.

Yes, David Stillman and Ronni Gordon have done it again. Years ago, when I bought The Ultimate French Review and Practice, I was certain that it was the most thorough French grammar book I had ever encountered. However, the newer Ultimate French Verbs Review and Practice carries coverage of the French language a step further. Don't be fooled by the title. To be sure, this is a book on French verbs, one which provides just about everything one might wish to know on the subject. But, it is also packed with up-to-date vocabulary such as computer and internet terms and a wealth of extra tidbits covering other aspects of usage and French language history and development. I took my first French class in 1961 in a high school language laboratory and have been captivated by the language ever since. I went on to study French in college for four years. Since that time, I have continued to read French and to use the French soundtrack on DVD movies as a means of experiencing the language on a regular basis. Living in West Virginia, I rarely get a chance to speak French. It's so nice to have the two Ultimate books to recall things I already know and to learn new things. One little gem I had never encountered before is the use of "vous autres" to emphasize the plural use of "vous." It is simply the French equivalent of "you all" or "you guys." I had always wondered if the French had a way of saying that. Now, I know. The French, however, go a step farther. They also have "nous autres" or "we all" to emphasize the inclusion of particular groups in the use of "we" as opposed to the generic "on" which is an all-inclusive non-particular "we" and is also rendered as "one, people, you, they, etc." I had come across "nous autres" in high school, but never "vous autres." I haven't nearly exhausted the comprehensiveness of this book. I am sixty years old. I will probably never need another French book in my lifetime. These two should do it quite well.

I already speak French but am rusty. This book is perfect for reviewing and getting back up to speed.. It wouldn't be much help for beginners as a lot of the fundamentals aren't gone over very carefully,

i hadn't believed when i read the reviews about this book,but when i purchased this book,it helped me a lot to learn about french tenses but most importantly french verbs.i think verbs are the real obstacle for learning french. if you want to discern french verbs and tenses you had better buy this book.the thing that made me frustrated about this book was how it badly published. the pages are easily torn apart. yet it is nothing besides how you easily and thoroughly learn a lot about french.

I have taken 2 years of French in college, but I have to say I wish I found this sooner (but still completely satisfied I have it now). It lays out in a clear and rule based form how to handle verbs, meanwhile explaining exceptions in a clear and non-intimidating manner. I love it, and for people who have gone through immersion programs (like me) it is nice - now that you have the basics - to go over everything from a clear and concise standpoint. I highly recommend this book as well as their Ultimate Grammar Review.

To Dolores Hiskes:

I would like to thank you for your wonderful book! I am a 58 year old woman who learned to read without phonetics....the word recognition method. This method has not served me well either as a young student or as an older reader. I have always been a very slow reader and my spelling has been poor. I have always wanted to improve my reading skills but felt pretty discouraged about ever being able to do so. I saw your book advertised somewhere and got the idea to start myself back at the beginning (as it was) and work through Phonic Pathways. Your book is beautifully organized. The material is presented in a format very easy to take in and learn (not that I don't have to work at it though!!!!!).

It has taken me 6 months of daily disciplined study, but the results are very gratifying. I am also working through Reading Pathways, which is very helpful. I think my eye tracking ability is improving little by little as I go.

I am so grateful that you have provided me with a way to improve my reading and spelling skills.

B. Meltzer

I bought this book to start teaching my 4 yr old how to read It is very well organized and step by step , which I need.The way it is laid out you do not need any other books to teach reading with. The only complaint I would have is that it's all in black and white. No color which a 4 yr old likes. Wouldn't be a problem for an older child. This book is great for the parent who has no idea how to teach a child to read.

Excellent, excellent practice for my first grade daughter. She can read in her head faster than she can speak. The exercises in this book has been so helpful for her to read aloud more fluently. We love it.

This book has a lot of great phonics activities, but the little "worm" character that leads you through the book is a bit strange. I don't know that older students would really "buy into" it, although it is touted as being usable for multiple grades. The games are great, but some of the pages are kind of visually "busy," and I have had to retype the information for my kids so that they can focus on what they really need to learn. (Keep it simple!!!)

I teach in the resource room at my school and use your program with
grades K-7. My students range from IEP's to just struggling readers. I use both the Reading Pathways and Phonics Pathways books. I have seen HUGE success with my struggling kids; especially the younger ones. Parents are telling me over and over how much better their children are reading! Even the children are excitedly telling me "I can READ!" Needless to say, I am so thrilled at their success!

I just want you to know how much I love your program!! Even though I thought I had the training and resources I needed, I could tell I still wasn't reaching some of my students. So, I went searching and luckily found Reading and Phonics Pathways. I've had some training in Orton-Gillingham and I love Pathways so much better. I do incorporate a little of OG as well as some Morgan Dynamic Phonics, but your books are by far superior to them both. They make teaching and learning FUN!!

I have students begging me to do the pyramids. They can't wait to get
into my room and see what we'll be doing that day. Thank you, thank
you!

Excellent book. I used it for my three sons and now wanted a new
copy for my grandchildren. I highly recommend it.

This is a wonderful book full of info on how to teach your child using the Montessori Method in your own home. There are directions for making most of the maerials yourself, others can be purchased inexpensively. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in Montessori education.

I became interested in this method of schooling the first time I ever read about it. I had yanked my four year old son from his preschool program because he had gone from a normal happy preschooler to a biting, kicking, swearing little monster. He also has a speech delay, which did not help matters at all because we could not understand what he was talking about when he tried to tell us what was happening during his day.

His father and I decided to homeschool him until he's six, upon which time we will enroll him with the local charter school. So I started researching different methods and the first time I saw this I fell in love. But my heart sank when I saw just how expensive the equipment is. I was also dissapointed when I discovered that we have a local Montessori school only to find out it cost more than we make in a month. My husband is a full time student on a very low, limited income. I could not in good concious sanction spending that kind of money. So I read everything, online and books, that I could get my hands on. And while all I read talked of the different methods, it never said how to implement them.

I saw this at Paperback Swap (awesome site) and snagged it on impulse. I am so glad that I did. It gave me everything I needed to get a start. It helped me understand the resources I already had and told me how to pull them together in a cohesive whole. I have four children ranging from 8 months - 4.5 years. The three oldest think it's great and they are so proud of themselves every day. Even my husband got in on it and helped me construct several items. We both love this book and I reccomend it to everyone that talks about teaching Montessori.

I also reccomend Seven Times the Sun: Guiding Your Child Through the Rhythms of the Day by Shea Darian

I am fortunate enough to be able to be a stay at home with my children because I want my kids to stay at home as long as possible (while they are young) so they can fully appreciate the family dynamic. Because I stay at home, my family and I are living off a single income and cannot afford to put our children in the Montessori program. I am still interested in the Montessori philosophy, and wanted to try to incorporate it here at home. I checked this book out from the library just to see how applicable it would be, and I found that this is a great, not complicated introduction to the Montessori method. The activities are great and realistic for little ones to explore and learn, and will be useful to them in the long run. They also don't require alot of "shopping" so it can be very affordable as well. I'm very excited to help my children learn with this book. I'm going out to buy this book right away!

I am a medical student, single parent and needed something to introduce me & my daughter to Montessori instruction. I plan to enroll my 36 month old soon, but at this time, she is fine in the care of her grandparents and in the evenings, with me. Until she begins Montessori, I want to begin instilling some of the instructions. I ordered this book along with one other you will notice in my reviewed items. Both books are very good in my opinion, and all that I need. Even if I never enroll her in daycare, preschool, this is adequate. It gives great ideas that a parent or caregiver can share while with the child. Very good quality book.

book was in great shape and arrive super early. was very pleased with the service.

Dr. Richard Allington continues to provide a research-based perspective that goes beyond the quick fixes, commercial-for-profit programs, and the political rhetoric of the day. If you really want to understand reading and learn a variety of research-based strategies that can be used to enhance reading, this is the book for you. There are plenty of practical strategies for teachers as well as parents. However, if you are looking for simplistic fixes (more phonics, more tests, more homework), I would advise you to go to your conservative "think" tanks and listen to politicians who have never read a research study.

How beneficial you will find this book depends on your background. If you are a parent, teacher, or college student trying to learn about basic research on reading, then this book is for you. This book gave me a nice review, but if you are familiar with the original research, you may want to skip this as something you already know.

Allington presents education and cognitive psychology research in a way that is informative and makes it easy for anyone to understand. Due to my background in cognitive psychology, I've read a lot of the original research on which this book is based. I think Allington gives a good overview of other people's research, while still giving his own take on the information. He does not discredit research, but makes you aware of the limitations of some experimental designs. Reading research is a relatively new field, most of which has occurred in the last fifteen to twenty years. Some results may seem obvious now, but may not have been a decade ago. Also, even if you think something is true, you always have to test it using a good experimental design. Allington's summaries allow you to decide for yourself if you accept the experimental conclusions.

I also think Allington did a good job of making practical suggestions that incorporates the research, so you can use it in the classroom or at least make informed decisions. That is probably most people's purpose for reading this book-practical applications. I like that there is more and more of a collaboration between teachers and researchers. This book is a good steping stone to that end.


I hope Allington continues to upgrade this book and write more like it.

This an excellent book for reading specialist, Literacy Coaches or Title I teachers. It really explains how to detect the early signs of reading difficulties. GREAT BOOK!!

This book has helped me tremendously in redesigning my reading program. As a special education teacher I am always looking for new concepts when it comes to my struggling readers.

I use this book as a grammar reference and conversation stimulus in my ESL classes and private tutoring.
It's very well organized although the cd only contains every 4 chapters which is a bit disappointing. However the students like it which is essential.

I love this book. It should not be used as a reference but for practicing your American English. Perhaps the exercises should be a little harder. It is well organized into sections and explains things in a clear way.

Great grammar book for anyone whose grammar is rusty. This would be a great tool for ESL teachers because each 2-page lesson is self-contained with grammar explanations and exercises. I like the format that lets someone do one lesson at a time at his/her own pace.

My children studied the basic version of Grammar in Use. As non-English speaking family, I am happy that our children are enrolled in GT classes or in a Magnet school. They have gotten 'A's in Reading and/or English. Now they are learning this version. Well organized expressions and rich examples are guiding them to the 'fast track'.

Students love this book and so do I as their teacher in English as a Second Language or ESL in the El Paso TX area. This puts the polish on the vocabulary, comprehension, pronunciation, and confidence I attempt to instil in my students...the answers are in the back to aid self study and the CD allows them to hear correct pronunciation prior to coming to class so the class acts as a review for thier homework. Thank you.

There were several activities in this book which I enjoyed..."Stomp Out Run-Ons" and "Fragment Puzzle." However, many of the activities were not creative and required long paper trails and lots of floor space. I think I would use the noun tree next year, but I received the book after having already covered that topic next year. Overall, I didn't think the book was "hands-on" enough to call itself "awesome."

This book is okay, but there are a lot of references that students today will not get because they are a bit dated. This was probably an excellent book in the 1980's.

This book was extremely helpful to us in a 6th Grade Language Arts unit. this is filled with GAMES and ACTIVE ways to explore nouns, verbs, sentences - types, fragments, and run-ons.

Using the student's multiple intelligences, you actually make language interesting! You read the lesson idea beforehand, gather materials, and then lead the child or class through an activity.

I found it the perfect program to mix with dry sentence diagramming from elsewhere - to lift up the lesson. Afte such creative fun, my son didn't mind getting in front of a blackboard with me to diagram a few sentences.

Also, instead of just deciding if a verb was a verb, we now decide if it is "vivid" and look at nouns as specific or general - great for strengthening creative writing...and with activities across all learning styles, not lecture. That is hard to find in middle school language arts.

As a homeschooler, I did notice two teacher terms used (perhaps this is what the earlier reviewer was referring to) - mnemonics (rhymes for teaching) and rubric (like a short chart explaining something) - and some of the activities have to be adapted as they were designed for a group - still most activities didn't need any adaptation and I was totally pleased with the way my child responded to these active lessons.

This text is invaluable. As a Title 1 teacher, I use it frequently to target those specific deficit skills. No longer must I depend upon memory or a workbook to provide key words for targeted practice. As a classroom teacher, this text provides fabulous lists of words based upon skill-specific information. It aides the targeting of deficit areas, and is intuitive in its use. This text is a must have. I would spend much more time "inventing"(read here- trying to remember words that have the ____ sound) instead of simply listing words for target areas for intensive intervention. It is also a terrific gift for beginning teachers! Worth every penny.

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 book is filled with lesson plan fun activities to teach children better phonic skills. I am a future Teacher and I found this book very helpful.

Great book! Has a lot of different ideas to use with your students. I teach Title I Reading and this book has easy & applicable ideas. Pat Cunningham is a trusted name in reading.

I found this book to be very helpful and well written. The text is organized according to activities needed to build literacy for children. Every teacher, especially a beginning teacher, should have this book on the shelf with pages tabbed. Excellent resource.

This product arrived on time and in excellent condition. I would definitely order my textbooks from amazon again

I recieved my item soooooo fast. The book was in excellent condition!!!! very fast on shipping....highly recommended!!!!!!