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Reviews (3)

Praise for Cowtails and Cobras
I think this is the definitive book for "adventure ed". It is well laid out and easy to use.All the activities list not only instructions but when and how you might use them in a curriculum. It also has innovative ideas about how to use metaphors that can be adapted to a variety of situations. Karl Rohnke is, in my opinion, on the cutting edge of experential education and his first book is staple in any experiental ed library.

Praise for Cowtails and Cobras
I think this is the definitive book for "adventure ed". It is well laid out and easy to use.All the activities list not only instructions but when and how you might use them in a curriculum. It also has innovative ideas about how to use metaphors that can be adapted to a variety of situations. Karl Ronche is, in my opinion, on the cutting edge of experential education and his first book is staple in any experiental ed library.

a versatile and comprehensive toolbox of activities
I have used this book at outdoor education centres, camps and in a variety of classroom applications.It provides lots of neat ideas that integrate easily into traditional curricula. I especially appreciate the philosophy and clear instructions.Definitely a staple on my reference shelf. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children: Grades 4-6    2. Curricula    3. Education / Teaching    4. EDUCATIONAL INNOVATIONS    5. Education / Educational Reform    6. OUTDOOR EDUCATION    7. PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING_CURRICULA    8. Sports & Outdoor Recreation   

Subjects:  1. Audio Adult: Language    2. Conversation and phrase books    3. Curricula    4. English    5. Foreign Language - Dictionaries / Phrase Books    6. Foreign Language Study    7. Spanish    8. Spanish Language    9. Study And Teaching Of Specific Subjects    10. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    11. Foreign Language Study / Spanish    12. Language self-study & phrasebooks   

Subjects:  1. Child development    2. Children    3. Curricula    4. Education    5. Education / Teaching    6. Elementary    7. Language    8. Language arts (Early childhood    9. Language arts (Early childhood)    10. Curriculum planning & development    11. Education / Curricula    12. Language Teaching & Learning (Other Than ELT)    13. Primary / junior schools   

Reviews (2)

What A Great Find!
A GREAT RESOURCE!!!!I love using this in my gifted 7th and 8th grade language arts classes.They have become excited about poetry after only a week of working this in to my daily routine.It's amazing how many "state standards" I can just happen to cover while discussing these poems with my students.What a fun way (for students and teachers) to cover critical reading strategies and writing style/voice!
Use Your Discretion
This anthology is a valuable companion for any teacher who wants to incorporate poetry into their classroom. I love many of the selections, reading each poem either quietly to myself or out loud to my students; however, several poems are inappropriate for middle students.
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Subjects:  1. American - General    2. American poetry    3. Composition & Creative Writing - General    4. English poetry    5. Literature - Classics / Criticism    6. Poetry    7. Study And Teaching Of Specific Subjects    8. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    9. English    10. English language    11. Teaching of a specific subject   

Subjects:  1. Content area reading    2. Curricula    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Elementary    6. Language Experience Approach    7. Language arts (Elementary)    8. Oral reading    9. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading   

Reviews (4)

Not for a Primary Teacher
This book has great info., but as a primary teacher I found the material hard to relate.

"One Source for Survival in the Classroom"
One teacher that reviewed this book said that this book was the "one source for survival in the classroom." After reading this book, you will see why. The Vaccas have put together a text that is a goldmine of methods and strategies that are immediately applicable in the classroom. Still the best reading methods book around
This book by Vacca is still the best of the content-area reading books on the market.Unlike many of the others out there, this one shows splendid visual representations and step-by-step approaches to a variety of readingstrategies for secondary teachers.Save yourself time.Give this one atry. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Content area reading    2. Curricula    3. Education / Teaching    4. Language    5. Language Arts & Disciplines    6. Literacy    7. Teaching Methods & Materials - Classroom Planning    8. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading    9. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / General    10. Teaching skills & techniques   

Reviews (5)

Nice, self-contained text or reference
If you're taking a course in geometry, DON'T let yourself fall behind because catching up is very hard to do.You should have a copy of this book. In it, you will find a concise, clear review of the theory, followed immediately by many problems with detailed solutions. My students tell me this Schaum's made a positive difference in their understanding.
A book that tutors can teach from...for students with desire
This book is suitable for high school or first year college students who have to take geometry.It is a no-frills, basics package that all students can master, if they take the time.I agree with the previous reviewer that students should make flash cards of definitions and theorems, but doing problems simultaneously, section-by-section, will not hurt.
NOT AS GOOD AS 2nd Edition!
I think this updated version is not as clear and accurate as the 2nd. Though efforts can be seen trying to improve it and make it more attractive but, simply not as good as the 2nd edition. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Curricula    2. Geometry    3. Geometry - General    4. Mathematics    5. Science/Mathematics    6. Study Guides    7. Education / Curricula    8. Study guides, home study & revision notes    9. Topology   

Reviews (2)

5th edition now available
The 5th edition of Principles of Instructional Design is now in print and includes two new authors, Dr. Katharine Golas, and Dr. John M. Keller. The new edition puts Gagne & Briggs into a current context. (This review was written by the other author, Walter Wager).

Timeless ID Basics
I first read this book when I was an instructional design student in 1972. Gagne and Briggs' definitions of types of learning and of learning processes are ageless. Even in the era of constructivist ID, this book contributes an important bridge between fundamentals of psychology and the structuring of learning experiences and environments. Where would I be today without 'reverse chaining'? Probably at the end of my leash! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Curricula    2. Design    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Instructional systems    6. Learning    7. Methods Of Instruction And Study (General)    8. Teaching Methods & Materials - Classroom Planning    9. Curriculum planning & development   

Reviews (2)

An Absolute for teachers!!!
This book is a great resource for all teachers. Definitely worth the purchase!!!

A must have for all educators!!
I use this book daily in my classroom.It is full of handy tricks.Mrs Rutherford truly knows how children and adults learn.Great strategies for all subject areas! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Curricula    2. Education    3. Education / Curricula    4. Education / Teaching    5. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / General    6. Educational Policy & Reform    7. Professional Development    8. Teaching    9. Teaching Methods & Materials - General   

Reviews (18)

Teaching With the Brain in Mind
I'm rating this book a 3 based upon my need for the information.I was looking for a more condensed version of information in order to quickly gleen and gather information for a workshop.However, the book includes good information, especially for newer teachers.

Teaching With The Brain In Mind
Fabulous book!I am a teacher and am recommending it to every teacher I know.I think it's a great book for every parent to read! It would be wonderful if "those government people" who make the many many many standards would read this book.

Mixed review, but has some useful info
I had an interest in the brain and learning and bought a couple of books, including this one.It sat on my shelf until last week due to time required elsewhere--or so I told myself.The principal at my school engaged me in a conversation on the topic as she is currently reading the book.(It was nice to find someone who shares this interest, as most others get that "glazed" look when I bring the subject up.)Well, I was motivated to begin the book and went right home to read it.Now, I am a skeptic at heart and need to "see things for myself"; I do not buy into things hook, line, and sinker.I found the writing style of this author to be a little lacking and I have several spots where I jotted down notes in the margins when I really disagreed with some things. So, I certainly would not treat this book as the Bible on the brain related to learning.However, I did get many good ideas to try out in the classroom and I am truly looking forward to getting back to school to implement them. If just two or three of these ideas stand the test of time and serve to improve my teaching, the book will have been worth its price and the time invested in reading it. The author does recommend certain "atmosphere" guidelines so, I suppose, that is touchy-feely; however, most of these ideas make sense.A child will not perform to potential when he/she perceives threat, whether it be fear of risk-taking/being wrong, fear of losing the esteem of peers or being mocked, etc.Feeling threatened, to whatever degree, creates stress; stress does not promote optimal learning.I also found that this book affirmed some of my current practices such as getting children up and moving frequently.I will now be sure to do this even more often; it is easy to do and takes little time.Music will definitely be used more wisely in my classroom in addition to movement.I have begun reading How the Brain Learns by Sousa now and I ordered two more "brain" books.I am almost done with Sousa's book and I like it even more than this one.While few people (even colleagues) share this interest with me, those reading this review most likely do.With that in mind, I do recommend this book as it has lots of useful info and ideas but would recommend How the Brain Learns even more. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Brain    2. Curricula    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Educational Psychology    6. Learning, Psychology of    7. Psychological aspects    8. Teaching    9. Teaching Methods & Materials - Classroom Planning    10. Teaching skills & techniques   

Reviews (4)

Are you kidding me?
Holy sweet Jesus this book is terrible.First allow me to sum up what's being paid for: Journal Articles that are available online at many libraries.The actual content of the book is rather sparse; chapter 4 has 5 pages about learning styles before the articles begin.The articles are loosely tied to the chapter theme, but overall provide little cohesive content.Pompous Education professors love this book because it satisfies the most basic tenant of educational training: It is absolutely useless to the vast majority of educators.

Complete, Current, and Relevant
The title for this review should be self-explanatory. The authors/editors provide a veritable plethora of writings providing viewpoints on different and pertinent curriculum elements. It's a must textbook for curriculum courses and an excellent resource for administrators and curriculum developers

Curriculum Planning: A Contemporary Approach
Part I contains six chapters about the bases and criteria for the curriculum including goals and values, social forces, human development, learning and learning styles, the nature of knowledge, and curriculum criteria. Part II contains four chapters about the curriculum including education for children, early adolescents, middle adolescents, and late adolescents and adults including senior learners. Each of the first six chapters begin with focus questions, key points, criterion questions, and references followed by contributed short selections that included questions for reflection. The last four chapters begin with focus questions, developmental aspects and goals for that age group, and references followed by contributed related selections.Each chapter ends with learning activities, critical thinking, application activities, field experiences, internet activities and books and articles to review. The book is both theoretical and practical and should be useful for anyone developing curriculum for any age group. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child development    2. Curricula    3. Curriculum Planning    4. Education    5. Education / Teaching    6. Educational psychology    7. Learning    8. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    9. United States    10. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / General    11. Teaching skills & techniques   

Subjects:  1. Aids & Devices    2. Computers & Technology    3. Curricula    4. Education    5. Education / Teaching    6. Educational Technology    7. Electronic information resourc    8. Electronic information resource literacy    9. Elementary    10. Information retrieval    11. Study and teaching    12. Study and teaching (Elementary    13. Study and teaching (Elementary)    14. United States   

Reviews (7)

Great Visualizations!
Lots of "I am calm" and "I am relaxed" affirmations. Very good selection of "scripts" which are short visualizations meant to relax children. This is very mainstream and a great way to introduce children to relaxation. Great emphasis on breathing however, to teach the mechanics of proper breathing, I have coupled this with Indigo Dreams and The Children's Awareness Curriculum. The kids really enjoy relaxing and love talking about the visualizations in Ready Set Relax. Great way to teach children, especially if you are short on time.
Just right relaxation tool
This book offers many wonderful tools to help children relax, reinforce their value, and visualize a fantastic episode of imagination. It is organized and cross referenced which makes it easy to quickly find just the right message of the day. I teach yoga to 5th graders who now beg for "relaxation at the end of class". Some of the kids have ADHD, autism, and other learning differences. This has been one tool that will never get old or redundant. It spans a broad age range. I have coordinated some of the stories a week before big achievement tests which seems to help the kids with a bit of empowerment. Nothing speaks to the success of my class like having children ask to borrow my books, DVDs, or my music. I would like to know of a better book or another book like this one since it has been such a huge hit with everyone.

Ready, Set, Relax enriches education...
Ready, Set, Relax provides teachers and parents with an important resource for helping young children learn valuable self-regulation skills.Jeff Allen and Roger Klein make us aware that learning requires both physicaland mental preparation.By introducing physical relaxation and positivemental imaging skills into the classroom environment, children developessential learning prerequisites, increase self-confidence, and enrichcreative interactions between teacher and child. The lessons of Ready, Set,Relax should be eagerly integrated into every elementary school curricula. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Clinical Child Psychology    2. Curricula    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. General    6. Personal Growth - Self-Esteem    7. Psychology    8. Relaxation    9. School Health And Safety    10. Self-esteem in children    11. Stress Management    12. Stress in children    13. Stress management for children    14. Study and teaching (Elementary    15. Study and teaching (Elementary)    16. Child & developmental psychology    17. Personal, health & social education (PHSE)   

Reviews (2)

Very highly recommended reading for beginning teachers
In Winning Strategies For Classroom Management, Carol Cummings offers thoughtful, practical advice on physically arranging the classroom, diagnosing student behavior, and responding to students' emotional needs. Her practical examples show how effective classroom management results in motivated students exhibiting self-discipline, perseverance, and who take responsibility for their learning. Cummings' approach to classroom management proactively addresses discipline and behavior problems. Winning Strategies For Classroom Management is very highly recommended reading for beginning teachers and has much of value to offer even the seasoned classroom instructor addressing the needs of a diverse school population.

The most practical book for teaching classroom management
I used this as a text for my "Managing Classroom Behavior" course which I taught at the University of St. Thomas and the students were thrilled when they picked up the assigned texts and came back and said, "After four years of theory, I finally have a practical book that I can use in the classroom."This book is based on theory and applied practical and real ways to manage children and instruction on how to teach to be a proactive manager.As a teacher, it was great to have a tool that I could use for instruction and direction in the classroom.The students were also impressed that it was the lowest priced book they have purchased throughout their four years at the University.One student took her books to Kinkos to have it spiral bound because she said she knows she will use it throughout her teaching career.It's a winner! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classroom Management    2. Curricula    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Effective teaching    6. Self-management (Psychology)    7. Study and teaching    8. Teaching Methods & Materials - Classroom Planning    9. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    10. United States   

Reviews (1)

using facts, not memorizing them
As a teacher and ex-curriculum expert, I found the title of the book very interesting. In a world where is possible to access and learn almost every piece of information and fact, it is the duty of the teacher andcurricularist to focus on thinking on facts, not memorizing them. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Curricula    2. Curriculum planning    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Interdisciplinary approach in education    6. Reference    7. Standards    8. United States    9. Education / Curricula    10. Reference works   

Reviews (1)

Excellent
Must have for teachers/parents.Especially if you are pursuing your CDA.Also, Amazon had this for the cheapest price brand new than any college book store and even ebay!! WTG Amazon ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Allied Health Services - General    2. Child Care/Parenting    3. Child care    4. Child development    5. Curricula    6. Education    7. Education / Teaching    8. Infants    9. Preschool & Kindergarten    10. Public Policy - Social Services & Welfare    11. Toddlers    12. United States    13. Education / Elementary    14. Pre-school & kindergarten   

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Evaluation    4. Testing & Measurement    5. Education / Curricula    6. Examinations & assessment   

Subjects:  1. Curricula    2. Curriculum planning    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    6. United States    7. Curriculum planning & development    8. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / General   

Reviews (2)

Great tool for OT's working in the school system
This book is very user friendly with reproduceable worksheets and easy to follow directions.It is categorized and has information for parent instruction that is easily understood.Best tool I have purchased in recent years to teach handwriting skills.

great book
great reference book.Has many good activities for teachers to include in their handwriting lessons. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child Development    2. Curricula    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. Elementary School Curricula    6. Motor learning    7. Movement education    8. Penmanship    9. Study And Teaching Of Specific Subjects    10. Study and teaching (Elementary    11. Study and teaching (Elementary)    12. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    13. Teaching Methods & Materials - Language Arts    14. Teaching of those with special educational needs   

Reviews (1)

50 Literacy Strategies - Step by Step
This practical resource by Gail E. Tompkins presents fifty research-based and classroom-tested strategies for use in a balanced literacy program.The alphabetical format of the book enables the user to locate strategiesquickly and then make quick instructional decisions based upon aneasy-to-read grid. For each strategy, there is a brief description,followed by an explanation of the benefits.Everything necessary forimplementing the strategies is explained in step-by-step instructions, withapplications and illustrations to guide the user.Black-line masters areprovided for some of the strategies, with permission to reproduce forclassroom use.Finally, there are references provided which allow the userto explore the strategy further. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Curricula    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Elementary    5. Elementary School Language Arts    6. Language Experience Approach    7. Language arts (Elementary)    8. Language arts (Middle school)    9. Preschool & Kindergarten    10. United States    11. Education / Curricula    12. English    13. English language    14. Teaching of a specific subject