Educators Books

Bullying is a hot topic in the school communities, and this book addresses the case law and the way in which in-school harassment and bullying is treated by the legal system. The author has clearly done her research, and she explains court decisions and their impact on educators in a clear, straightforward manner.

The sequel autobiography to "A Journey from Wartime Europe to self-Discovery", Cambridge To Paris And America: A Second Journey Of Discovery by Donald R. Maxwell (Faculty of Medicine, University of Cambridge, and French Literature doctorate, University of Michigan) offers the reader a blend of narrative scholarship that showcases the life of a research scientist from having earned his doctorate at Cambridge University, to his work in the Curie Institute in Paris, to his having earned a second doctorate in French literature back in America, and finally settling down in Ann Arbor with his wife Catherine with whom he had eight children. Enhanced with a block of period photographs, Cambridge To Paris And America is a finely presented and highly recommended memoir showcasing both academic and family life.

A young man and his dog Lucas set out to traverse the rugged, snow-covered landscape of Nova Scotia only to lose their way when dark falls. That's when Lucas takes it upon himself to guide them both safely home. Etienne Delessert's superb artwork provides a visual showcase for Alistair Highet's imaginative story so perfectly reflecting the solitude and beauty of the northland, the power of a friendship between a young man and his canine companion, and the ability of a dog to deal with traversing the snow clad wilderness of Nova Scotia. Lucas is very highly recommended reading for readers of all ages who enjoy reading about the courage and intelligence of a canine companion when faced with a life or death challenge.

I think that this book is an excellent textbook for teaching entry level college psychology courses and upper level high school courses on children's development and thinking. I really enjoyed using this textbook in one of my Elementary Education psychology courses mainly because it gives interesting theoretical views about children's thinking. This textbook has theories from well-renowned psychologists such as Piaget, Vygotsky, Jean Jacques Rousseau, John Locke, and Freud. If I had to recommend this book to someone, I would recommend that teachers, psychologists, counselors, and anyone who deals with children on a daily basis obtain a copy of this book. It is an excellent source of information for understanding children's behaviors, learning styles, and cognitive capabilities at varying stages of life.

In a humorous and conversational style, Lodish describes the headaches and successes of managing an elementary school. Anyone going into the educational administration professions MUST read this book! Inspiring and informative, it is a real thought provoker.

David Sobel, already the author of four influential books, including Beyond Ecophobia and Children's Special Places, has just published a fifth. Called Childhood and Nature: Design Principles for Educators, the book provides a guide for fostering in children a love of nature and an understanding of the complexity and seriousness of the issues facing our world. Though geared toward educators, the book is also quite useful for parents and others who are involved with kids or, like me, simply have a strong interest in our human relationship with nature, and how we might mend it. Of particular note is Sobel's last chapter in which he explores the challenge of talking with kids about climate change.

What most children learn in school is divorced from the landscape they see right outside their classroom windows, according to Sobel. His life work has been dedicated to fostering children's direct experience of their natural surroundings right alongside learning about history, math, art, and other subjects. In Sobel's words "we must show how School and Mother Nature can become friends again." When the study of nature and the environment occurs outside in real landscapes, children learn much more than just facts and concepts. Such engagement provides students with not only the thinking skills needed to pass tests, but also helps them to grow into responsible citizens and stewards of the Earth. To help educators create nature-based curricula, Sobel articulates seven "play motifs" that he has observed during children's interactions with nature. Based on these motifs, such as "making friends with animals" or "constructing adventures," Sobel offers design principles for developing nature-based curricula.

Finally books that bring the issue of bullying and its devastating effects on children to the surface. I had just finished Bully-Proofing Children: A Practical, Hands-On Guide to Stop Bullying.... which I felt did an incredible job explaining and profiling bullies and victim; and setting out practical solutions to address this issue. I then discovered this book and found again alot of good info here.

Chinese American Children & Families: A Guide for Educators & Service Providers is a straightforward summary of Chinese beliefs and cultural practices that American educators, health care workers and service providers need to know when working with the Chinese-American community. Chapters address not only beliefs prevalent in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, but also how living amidst American culture has influenced the traditional ways of doing things especially for second and third-generation Chinese. Topics covered include cultural views of disabilities and emotional or belief-system oriented impediments to seeking help for a disabled child, folk nutritional practices, attitudes toward education, child-rearing practices, family composition and structure, and more among Chinese-Americans. A plain-terms, easy-to-understand overview, highly recommended for anyone who needs to work with Chinese-American communities.

The Ridenour book is fabulous. All his work is. You can
get a NEW one from him at http://www.ridenourclarinetproducts.com/. $19.95 plus shipping and if in Texas, tax.
Just thought I would share this info.
Mal Davis

When one hears just the surface details of this story (mother loses only child to a brain tumor), one is tempted to think "Oh, that's horrible, and move on."

But this remarkable book is not about surface details. It's about the powerful love between a mother and a daughter. It's about the profound impact teachers make in the classroom. It's about hope and sunshine and looking forward to today -- and tomorrow.

True, the ending could not be described as "happy." But the lessons learned in the reading, in seeing how a mother and her daughter not just coped with but grew from an experience that would crush lesser souls -- are awe inspiring.

Read this book. Your day will seem brigter, your troubles much smaller, your teachers more important and, most of all, your children more precious.