Educational Books

I have purchased several Spanish books on Amazon and as always make many of my purchases based on the reviews of those who have gone before me. My daughter is trying to teach my granddaughter how to speak Spanish and she loved this book. Of course she loved sucking on the corners too but it was colorful, well planned out and joyful.

The Colors and Shapes book is a very useful tool for learning the basics of Spanish. If you want something that is easy to read and understand, this is your book. From reading this book, I think anyone would be able to learn the basic colors and shapes in both English and Spanish. My favorite part was the last page which was a picture of a colorful room full of shapes. This was a good exercise to wrap up the book and apply the words that I learned. A child would be able to use this book, and others like it in the series, to learn and then apply knowledge in every day life when seeing colors and shapes of any kind. This book doesn't just stick to simple shapes such as circle and square, but also includes words for diamond, sphere, and cone.

I recently became interested in toddler and primary age children's books because I am a grandmother. Looking for starter books, it was great to discover this title, and the companion English-Spanish Foundations co-volumes. My grandkids enjoyed the color and layout and definitely learned!

Several members of my family have small children who are just learning to read. I was looking for an english/spanish book that would be fun for them to go through, but would also present information in an easy and understandable way for them. This book was just what I was looking for. If anyone is looking for a great educational gift for little kids be sure to take a look at this!

I want to continue learning the Spanish language and found that this children's book helped me and my family alot. I was intimidated by the language, and by starting at this basic level, it opened a new door for me to want to build upon and continue to learn more. By getting down the fundamentals, I am able to go on to more things. My kids are constantly speaking the words out loud and are actually teaching each other and myself Spanish. I am glad that there are books out there like this that I can use, no matter how young the age group, and actually learn.

The book came amazingly fast and was in great condition!

Thanks!

It's a great book. The authors explain step by step from tutorials to simulations.

This book should be on the shelf of very instructional designer and course developer responsible for creating computer-based training or web-based training. The book stands out for three important reasons: (1) if offers concrete directions regarding how to develop instruction at the lesson level; (2) the recommendations are based on research findings and when research findings are contradictory the authors acknowledge the divergence; and (3) the book is well written, it is accessible to the average reader. The first chapter **alone** makes the book worth the price - it will help you answer the question "What is the difference between information and instruction?"

Seen from the point fo view of a non-expert readers, and comparing with <10 other books on similar subjects, the book looks quite good. It covers most of the basic types of learning activities (tutorials, drills, simulations, educational games and tests), plus a detailled overview on more organisational issues (analysis, design, ...), some chapters on technology for implementation of CBI as well as more advanced topics as instructional modelling, computer managed instruction and AI-techniques. Good reading, no hyper-specialised vocabulary. Happy that my holiday in canada brought me back this good reading to Flanders (Belgiium/Europe). Coming from an IT background (engineering & computing), it gives some goods clues on project management for development of CBI products. Les solid on educational/didactic theories.

Hesitating between 3 and 4 stars (don't feedl myself sufficiently qualified to give higher scores).

This book is excellent. There are many sections, in fact, which I will refer back to later as job aids. This book reinforces and elaborates on many concepts and methods that I, as an instructional designer, have been using intuitively when developing courses. It provides a structure to the process of organizing content and developing computer-based training. The only drawback to this book is that it is slightly out of date from a technology standpoint. However, it is so strong in every other area, including instructional design, interface design, interactivity design, and project management, that its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who designs or develops CBT and WBT, I think it will prove to be a valuable resource.

Having a lot of experience with companies who work in this area of tutoring, test prep,and college recruiting companies, this is the first time someone has focused on what I believe to be the core issue... it's not only what you know, but its how you take the test. A student's confidence with themselves, how to navigate through the test, and what the test really means. I am impressed with how the authors have presented the information. It's a very engaging book and I would highly recommend it!

Attempting to penetrate the vast and turbid issue of the SAT and its cultural impact is a daunting and intensely complex task. The test is simply too ensconced in the American zeitgeist to extirpate and examine it thoroughly. Johnson and Eskelsen, however, do a laudable job of critiquing, debunking, and demystifying the test itself, commenting, when applicable, on its affects on the landscape of American life. They offer specific and useful advice for the parents of a generation burdened by the stresses and concerns surrounding the SAT that comes from years of experience working with young students and from a commitment to better understanding the test. This book is invaluable for parents seeking to comprehend the complexity and anxiety associated with this aspect of high school life.

I found this book's recurrent theme to be that achieving the best results on the SAT comes from, or at least begins with, exactly what you already know and exactly who you are. The mission to merit the scores that the best of the best colleges and graduate schools want to see is one that instills fear and makes even the best of the best students feel intimidated. "Conquering the SAT" intersects this rising anxiety and instills confidence. With so many options to IMPROVE YOUR SCORES! out there, it's so easy to forget the most basic principles of succeeding on a test. I was struck with a sense of calm when the authors advocated to simply be creative with math, write what you know about, and sometimes just stop and THINK! I wish I had just relaxed six years ago when I took the SAT and had a little fun with learning instead of fiercely focusing on my score.

The book is a little long-winded but a good read to pick up here and there as the student stories are easy to relate to and the chapters have a way of repeating the same suggestions over and over again in different ways. It's more encouraging and engraining than tedious and redundant. For the parent who wants what is best for their child's health, mentality and attitude throughout the college testing process, this is the place to start. The book is no replacement for courses, tutoring, note cards, practice tests, etc. but if the student can become sure of his/herself before tackling the test, which is exactly what "Conquering the SAT" advises, than those aforementioned performance-raising mechanisms will probably work a lot better in the long run.

With each passing year it seems that the college admissions game becomes exponentially more stressful. Getting into college is no longer enough. Only getting into the right college seems to matter for too many students, and perhaps more to the point, too many parents. And this pressure to get into the right college has led to compression so that good state universities that an above-average student could once apply to as safety schools have become elite bastions themselves, oftentimes accepting well fewer than half of the applicants who come their way.

Among the many factors fueling the competition is the noxious imperative of standardized tests, and for most of the country, standardized tests and college admissions means dealing with the peculiarly monopolistic Standardized Aptitude Test, or SAT. In "Conquering the SAT" Ned Johnson and Emily Warner Eskelsen do not try to elide the fact that the SAT is deeply problematic and that doing well on it is more a matter of succeeding at mastering a game than it is a reflection of a student's intellect, even if a keen intellect is useful in doing well on the test.

Johnson and Eskelen also have made the savvy decision to aim their book at parents, who tend to be the driving force for the stress their children feel over the college admissions process. Left to their own devices, the kids will usually be alright, but parents (understandably) cannot help themselves. This book aims to try to alleviate the pressure by assuaging the parental pressure point. As a consequence it ought to be required reading for the hyper-driven moms and dads who have perpetuated the inanity that their kids' success is contingent on an Ivies-or-bust, take-no-prisoners approach to college admissions.

The SAT is deeply, disturbingly, profoundly problematic. This book will help to make it, and the college admissions process, less so.

This book should be mandatory reading for any parent whose child is about to embark on the increasingly pressurized process of preparing for the SAT. Mr.Johnson and Ms.Eskelsen, obviously seasoned SAT tutors who genuinely care and understand all of the factors that go into the success or failure of a student facing these rigorous tests, have produced the first book I have found to give PARENTS a better understanding of what the SAT test is really all about, what obstacles different children face that keep them from raising their scores, and how to help your child truly achieve better results and feel less stressed in the process.
This book is a must have!

This is an excellent business math book. It's easy to work with and has lots of examples for practicing. It breaks the subject matter down in a manner where it's easy to understand. Chapters 10 through 14 are really great for individuals to learn about their finances. Chapters 15 through 17 are excellent for businesses. There are other chapters that are really great in establishing the basic foundation in business math. Overall this is an excellent book to use for brushing up on math or just learning about business math for business or individual use. Another excellent book to read is "Trilogy Moments for the Mind, Body and Soul."

Im a college student and when I first started using this book I said to myself this is like H.S math. Little did I know it does get more complicated but its on a college level as you go on. It takes you back to the basic mathematics and then to a college level mathematics. I liked the book very much so. There is also a answer key in the book (but only for the the odd #'s)which is very useful as well.

I think this book is great, becareful not to get the instructors edition, I got that edition by mistake then ordered a student editon used, it did not come with the cd like it said it would.

This book was incredibly helpful for a college class in Business Math. Many of the adults in my class had not studied any sort of math in years. This book made the subject easy with great examples succinct and thorough summaries. Recommend it for other teachers in the same area.

There are several typos in this book, but don't let that get you down. This is an excellant review of business math. It begins with the basics of operations, and then progresses to more complex formulas. It will help everyone from business majors to consumers to better manage their money.

Singleton and Linton impart guided wisdom for the courageous captains who navigate the waters of racism in the sea of school reform. They aid school leaders in the quest for achieving the goals of narrowing the racial divide of achievement, heightening racial consciousness, and ensuring equity. School leaders will find this to be an indispensable handbook for discussing race, dealing with racial issues, and establishing a common language in a professional and productive atmosphere.
The authors' diverse backgrounds provide the reader and practitioner with six conditions that form the basis for antiracist leadership: getting personal; keeping the focus on race; engaging multiple racial perspectives; fostering interracial dialogue in a safe environment; establishing a common language around race; and discussing aspects of whiteness.
Singleton and Linton provide samples of racial histories and provide school leaders with the tools to realize their visions of equity and closing the achievement gap.
Self-examination, personalized racial histories, and the intentional acts of persistence, practice, and passion will lead school leaders on a journey towards engaging in Courageous Conversations About Race. This has been the "pink elephant" that many avoid acknowledging in numerous staff lounges, school board meetings, and classrooms for so long. The authors guide us towards opening our collective eyes, touching, and unpacking the "pink elephant.

Singleton has managed to present an incendiary topic in such a way that is palatable and astounding. "Courageous Conversations" creates a great outlet for discussion, and provides great opportunities for educators to actually be the student. It was a pleasure to read.

This is an outstanding book that every educator should read. It sheds light on one of the most serious problems in our society and in our schools and provides the impetus for action.

This is truly a courageous book! Richard Hernstein first broke Political Correctness's stranglehold on the discussion of race and educational achievement with his book The Bell Curve, and though that groundbreaking book was meticulously researched, the author suffered a hail of mindless political-inspired assaults. Now, the authors of this book have built on Hernstein's work, calling for meaningful dialogue on what changes need to be made to the American educational establishment to provide meaningful results for non-whites.

If you care about the future of America, then read The Bell Curve and Courageous Conversations about Race!

WOW! I was fortunate to work with Glenn Singleton as he brought "Courageous Conversations" to my school district. His method of getting all of us to reflect on what we bring to the table is invaluable. When we are able to look at what race means to us and learn to 'listen" to other peoples stories we are able to grow. Get this book, it's life changing and life affirming.

This is the only book on constructivism that I have ever seen that is designed for teachers as opposed to academics. While it is clearly scholarly, it is highly practical and contains a wealth of useful, creative, and exciting ideas for teachers to put into practice tomorrow in their own classrooms. Their is a glowing endorsement on the back cover from Alfie Kohn, one with which I wholly agree, who notes that the book presents highly effective and engaging strategies to help students find meaning in their educational experience. The book is filled with self-assessment checklists, strategies for helping parents and administrators understand what constructivist teaching is about, and useful questions at the end of each chapter for helping teachers design their next steps. There are wonderful chapters on technology, dealing with issues surrounding classroom diversity, and helping students make the transition from chalk and talk, drill and kill classrooms to the kinds of learning experiences which will truly be lifelong and meaningful.

Can't say enough about how good this book is. Wish I had it my first years of teaching. It should be required for all educators.

Well described case studies that support construtivist principles...the checklists are helpful...focuses on the humanities (language development, reading and social studies) rather than math and science...extensive references...recommended for entry level professional development as well as college courses in constructivism.

If you want to make a difference in your classroom, you need to read this book. Get it fast by getting into the corwinpress.com web page.

I have spent a lot of time looking for a book that I can actually use in my classroom. This is it. It contains checklists that helped me immensely in my attempt to make my classroom more democratic and more focused on active learning. With state standards being implemented in most states, this book is a must read. It clearly shows how constructivism is the foundation for the standards in all of the disciplines.

got these books for my 2.5 yr old because i loved the art work. the books are still her favorites as a 4 yr old, because she gets to make up the story and change it as many times as she wants. now i'm using the same books to occupy her little bro that's 6 months old. he can't keep his little hands off of 'em and won't stop staring at the colorful pics. i love 'em because they fit so easily into the diaper bag and don't add any extra weight!!! ya just can't go wrong w/ these books!

TyBooks are a wonderful substitute for board books, and much more economical. You will never have to replace them!

I bought all 3 for several cousins' active babies and toddlers. I wish these had been around when my kids were little. They make GREAT baby gifts and are as 'indestructible' as the description says they are.

I love Ty Books. My kids are grown now, but I give them as baby gifts. It feels good to introduce babies to beautiful books that they can handle. Not only is the artwork beautiful; they also don't rip or tear and they are drool proof. I especially love that paper cuts are never a worry with ty books.

These TyBooks are so great! I have the whole set and they are the best thing I had for my baby for her first year, period. They have consistently been one of her favorite things and she is now 16 months and still loves them. They feel like paper, so she always loved to play with them (you know how much babies love paper), but they are waterproof, tearproof, and totally indestructible. She can chew on them, suck on them, tug at and wrinkle the pages all her little heart desires, and can't damage the book at all. I love it, because her other books are all either in danger or a danger to her if I leave her with them unattended. Plus, they grow with her because there's something to be interested in for every stage of babyhood (looking at shapes, then playing with paper, then turning pages, then making animal sounds, then identifying things, etc) She really learned to handle and use books on these TyBooks, and now she loves all books and is an avid reader (for a 1 year old :).

The work books provide the extra practice needed to improve preparedness for the SAT. As a supplement for the SAT guide they are very valuable.

HEY i'm a highschool junior and I had a projected 650 for the SAT critical reading from the PSATs but i worked through the practice sections (and there are A LOT of good practices in this book) and got a 740 after 2 weeks working through this book on the actual SAT. so yeah, it's definitely helpful. It also has a lot of good vocabulary practice and tip and several critical reading practice tests.

A very adequate Book!

This book covers various types of questions for the Reading sectoin and the Writing section. It has lots and lots of practice for reading section but could have more for writing (the practice tests on the back can cover that).

It breaks down the reading section into two sections for each type of questions: Sentence completion and Reading. It has all the information you need for each section and tons of practice questions for you to improve your skills.

Writing section is analyzed with many questions that contain the most common types of grammatical errors that are tested on the test. If you learn all those types and practice with the practice tests, you should do fairly well on the test.

For the essay part, it gives bunch of useful tips along with some sample essays with grader's comments.
This book also has the SAT High-frequency word list with 800 words that frequently appear on the SAT.

It doesn't have any useless information so doesn't overprepare you. It has just everything a SAT verbal workbook should have. Therefore, I highly recommend this book to everyone.

Other Books:
Princeton Review's Reading and Writing workbook is very short and inadequate. I wouldn't recommend it.
Kaplan's SAT reading workbook has tons of problems and so that book's pretty good.
Kaplan's SAT Writing workbook isn't as thorough as Barron's but it's good enough to give it a try.
For studying SAT overall I would strongly recommend the Maximum SAT which is the best SAT prep Book I have seen. It is really helpful to study along with the Official SAT Study Guide by collegeboard.

I'm an after-school tutor, and teach general English to Aussie school students. I use all the Barron's SAT workbooks to help improve the students' vocabulary, writing, comprehension and reading. This "Critical Reading Workbook" is great, with plenty of practice in sentence completion, comprehension questions and vocabulary extension. The practice exams at the back of the book are excellent for mastering exam technique, and the explanation section for the answers is very helpful. English is never taught this way in Australia, but it should be. All my students feel they learn more from studying one Barron's workbook than they do from doing a whole year of English lessons at school.

This book is great! It has several practice passages, and the questions are really good. They adhere to the SAT format, and the answer choices are challenging, yet fair. The additional sentence completion exercises and prefix and root sections are really useful in SAT preparation. The only drawback to this book is that it uses many of the same sentence completion questions that you will see in their other test books, namely the Verbal Workbook for the SAT and the GRE test prep book. Other than that, the book is excellent.

Understanding that comes from this book is very helpful. You can then see that ADD victims don't need to be told "your a problem" - rather we can work with ADD victims to maximize their tremendous and actually unique potential.

It was a very helpful book. I would like to have seen suggestions about who to see about getting someone tested. Overall, a very informative book.

This is an eye opening book into my husband's heart. It reminded me of his true strength's and helped me to see the reality of how God created him. We've learned better coping skills, especially for day to day and our relationship. This book holds so much hope for the future. My husband now knows that he is loved and accepted.
This is a must read for anyone in relationship with an ADD person.

I always knew my husband was ADD, and tried to do things to help him. The book and authors really helped me to understand, and APPRECIATE my husband. He is my best friend and when he hurts I hurt. It is great to find a book that encourages and gives couples and families help. It gives them a way to deal with everyone else's negative view of ADD. Practical tips on how to help make their lives easier.
This book is a great positive resource to anyone's library. It is a book and audio tape that you will want to give to other people to read and listen to. Even if you have a bookshelf full of ADD books, and you think you know everything about ADD, this book will SHOCK you with new insight and help give you a better and uplifting view of ADD.
GET IT & READ it, the information has saved marriages and made marriages better.

An incredible resource! Based on over a decade of research and their own experience of living with A.D.D. This is a book of hope and it clearly provides answers and validation to those who have had to struggle with A.D.D.
Through this series, you will find that you are not alone-whether you are the one who has A.D.D. or the spouse, family member, or friend of an A.D.D. individual. A true glimpse into the world of somebody who is "Affectionately Designed Differently".

This is a nice book to help keep the kids busy over summertime.
So far it looks like it will do the trick for us.

This is a great resource for parents to help kids keep their knowledge and skills fresh over the summer between grades. Kids complete just 2 worksheets each day for 10 weeks -- it's just enough to keep them up to speed and doesn't take a lot of time for kids to do or parents to supervise.

I of course have not purchased this 4th to 5th grade as my daughter is going to the 5th Grade, but I have used the 3rd to 4th and it is wonderful. I had previously purchased for my local Boys & Girls Club other grade levels and they are just great! Many parents loved to have their children working on these while still having fun! Highly recommended!

The Daily Summer Activities books are fantastic! They are layed out so nice. There is a page each for Monday - Friday with a little bit of everything for each day (a little math, spelling, reading, thinking skills, ...). Just the right amount so kids don't forget what they've learned over the summer, but not too much - so its hard to complain about.

I have used the third to fourth grade and the fourth to fifth grade books with my girls. The pages are colorful and fun. The work is mostly simple review. Just enough to keep their brains working over the summer. My girls enjoyed doing the activities, too. All subjects are incorporated into these books. We think they are fabulous!