Education Books

When this book arrived in the mail, I sat down to thumb through it. My 3 1/2 year old noticed the kids on the cover and came over to see what I was looking at. I read her one of the poems and she was immediately drawn in. She kept asking for more and more. We spent an hour with the book on that first sitting and return to the book with great frequency.

There are illustrations, photographs, paintings, something visual on every page. I've been speaking the rhyming poems to my toddler who enjoys them as well. I am very impressed with this book, will be purchasing the two workbooks and look forward to the books for for each progressing age.

This is exactly what I needed to fill in the gaps of convenient cultural resources.

Give your child the background on which the rest can be built.
Teach them the contents of the needs-to-know series, then the school text books will make sense.

We've been using this book series since our oldest child (now in 5th grade) entered Kindergarten. We've now gone back and purchased this book for our 4-year-old.

We send our kids to the local public schools, and I find these books to be a fantastic supplement. Reading these books with my older son has made it so much easier to find out where there are holes in his education, and have sparked some very interesting conversations. I quickly figure out where he's picked up some misconceptions, and I'm able to dispel those easily, especially since the books often have exactly the information he's looking for.

Don't be surprised if your child is confused by the rhymes at first. With enough exposure, they'll start to understand them. But the sentence structure of poetry, and its subtle messages, take a while for young children to appreciate. The pictures certainly help.

These books can also be used as the basis for a home school curriculum as there are several citations of outside resources that can be used to expand upon topics introduced in the book.

Fantastic series!

Set up like a textbook. Very easy to read a few pages out of each section daily. Fun book!

This is a great book. My son is two and a half and loves the songs and rhymes (although I do wish there was a CD of music since I can't remember the tunes for some of them). I love the history, science and art. We pick a few things to do or read everyday. He has fun and I feel like I'm making more of our time together.

I just got done with a job teaching students from the age of 6 thru 17 software at a camp. there at the camp there were many kids with autism and afterwards i wanted to learn more about the disorder so i picked up a copy of this book. And for my position of knowing nothing extensive about autism this book was great, it gave basic facts about the disorder along with ways people dealt with the disorder with in the family and outside the family with in a japanese context. This i enjoyed greatly but was left with out any deep understanding of the disorder.

Also the writing in the book is almost always flat and over simplified, i understand that this book is a Comic soap opera with many volumes but after a while this become tiring. Further more the translation is annoying, yes they try to keep the integrity of the originally text by not translating "San" and "sense", but these aren't hard translation compared to the rest of the text and with out changing them it feels stiff.

But over all i would recommend this to someone interesting in the disorder or how japanese handle a disorder. I wouldn't recommend this to anyone just looking for some japanese comics, they'd be pretty disappointed.

Autism is something that has recently been discovered and has yet to be fully understood. Why? Because it comes in many different forms and has often been mistaken for other things.
How do I know?
Like the young boy in this gripping, visually beautiful novel, I have autism as well. It called aspersers, and though my form is rather mild, I've it some road blocks like Sachiko and Hikaru have faced.
Maybe that's one of the reason I have enjoyed this manga so much. I enjoy sci-fi and magic mangas but this one is more inspirational because it confronts something that is popping up everywhere. It shows how working against all odds and trying your best during tough times is all the option. I'm anxious to see how Hikaru grows and changes throughout the rest of the series.

I read a lot of manga. Please understand that my review is that of a manga fan speaking to other manga fans. I didn't pick up this book looking for a book on autism, and you don't necessarily have to be interested in autism to read this book, because it's not really about autism, it's about the people that live with autism.

When I first saw this hugely thick book sitting on the shelf of my local Borders, smack dab in the middle of the manga section, I thought someone had misfiled it. I pulled it out, preparing to reshelve it, when I realized it was a manga! It took mere minutes before I was completely engrossed in Sachiko's plight. I'm so glad I took this book (and the second novel!) home with me. It is, hands-down, the best manga that I've ever read. For manga fans, I'll hit the main points:

The Story:
The storytelling is sweet, sensitive, compelling and funny, and more than once, I teared up in sympathy with the characters, gasped in shocked at something unexpected or got angry on their behalf. The writing is just plain GOOD, well-timed and close to real life with characters wandering in and out of each other's lives, just as real people do. The book is thick, and makes for pleasant reading. Tobe is brilliant at relating situations to things that everyone can understand, without really seeming like that's what she's doing. All in all, the writing and storyline are FANTASTIC.

The Art:
The artwork, I will say to manga fans in particular, is nothing special. Not bad, but also not exceptional, at least in terms of character design. It's easy to see that later (in book two) she sometimes struggles to differentiate her characters, especially the minor ones. However, Tobe is quite skilled at expression, gesture and action, and we all know that some managa artists with tremendous character design lack these important skills, so in my opinion, I'd take it over great character design. Besides, she manages just fine, and if you're confused on one page by who someone might be, it's cleared up in another page or two. Tobe is also highly skilled at drawing what I've come to think of as the "interludes", the small details in frames that you almost miss, but make the story just that little bit better.

The Translation:
Very well done. Unlike some poorly-done translations, the English in this manga was smooth and accurate with few to no (I didn't notice any) spelling or grammatical errors. They also use consistent Japanese honorifics, which is nice, especially if you're used to reading them.
If you're a manga fan, I doubt you'll need the glossary in the back explaining simple terms and common Japanese situations that you're probably already familiar with. However, it's great if you plan on recommending this book to people who don't read manga. After you read it, you'll probably want to recommend it to everyone, regardless of their like/dislike/indifference to manga.

Value:
I paid $15 for it at Borders (compared to Amazon's $10) and even then I say it was a GREAT value. You get about five times as much manga as the normal books, for roughly the same cost. I'm pleased with my purchase!

Being a geek I am very familiar with the manga/anime genre known as shoujo, meaning that it appeals to girls. A staple of this genre is large eyes, crying, and dramatic situations such as love triangles, first love, and high school. Being an adult, I find most shoujo manga to be incredibly self-centered and the dramatic situations not that big of a deal.

My point: With the Light is in the true spirit of the shoujo genre. It depicts the realistic struggle of Sachiko, a woman with a autistic son and details the difficulties of having to deal with her son's problem and personality quirks. Over time, you grow to know these characters and truly feel for them and their problems. You even cheer a little as Akira, Sachiko's son, learns to be close to his mother and starts to conquer his fears and problems.

I think the best part of this masterpiece of manga is that it does overdo it as some in the genre do. The characters do not go chibi. They do not use large sweat drops or red veins of anger. The cliches and staples of the genre are gone, leaving some pure and wonderful. Everything is subtle and quiet compared to other manga in the same genre. With the Light is possibly the best manga released so far in America and I look forward to the other issues.

Readability: A
Art: A This manga has a classic shoujo look reminescent of early manga.
Story: A You grow with the characters.
In short: A Buy it. Read it. Love it. Its also a great way to introduce people to manga and anime if they don't read it often.

"The day you were born...the morning sun was very beautiful." WITH THE LIGHT begins like a love letter from a mother to a child, and in a way, it is, although a fictional one. More than that, though, it is an in-depth analysis of a young mother discovering that her son, who came into the world at the first light of day, is different from the other children she knows. He doesn't talk. He cries often, and for hours on end. He doesn't like to be touched or held. He is difficult to understand and relate to.

Gently, and with the aching slowness of gradual realization, Sachiko comes to understand that her son, Hikaru, is autistic. With no understanding of the condition, she struggles to come to terms with what it means and what she can do about it, while her hard-working husband, Masato, pulls away and immerses himself in his career.

WITH THE LIGHT takes all of its principal characters on a long journey of self-discovery. Sachiko longs to understand the way her son's mind works.

The innocence and the tenderness of the scene in which Hikaru finally acknowledges his mother and, in his own fashion, expresses his love is heartbreaking. The ability of the book to convey the complexities of human emotions without getting sentimental or overwrought might be its most admirable quality. Author and illustrator Keiko Tobe at first treats her story almost with the allure of a mystery. Sachiko is driven and determined to unlock the secret behind her son's aloofness, while her husband and his family separate themselves, and even blame Sachiko.

All of which is not to say that WITH THE LIGHT doesn't have its tender moments. It does, but it earns each one of them without toying with the reader's emotions. When Masato struggles with his anger and stress of his son's autism and lashes out at his wife, it's not the cloying stereotype of an uncaring man with no time for his children. Instead, it's all too apparent that this is a man too young to be both an effective father and the star employee his bosses --- not to mention his family and society --- want him to be.

These two volumes run an expansive tale totaling over 1,000 pages, including resource material to help the reader along. A convenient guide to manga helps those who aren't familiar with its style (the book is read right to left; it's surprising how easy it is to adapt to it once you get started), and the editors of this English translation include brief descriptions of elements of Japanese and manga culture to avoid confusion and enhance the reader's understanding. Also included are supplementary materials on autism and translation notes.

WITH THE LIGHT is fascinating to watch unfold. Its broad scope spans years in the lives of this couple and their son, covering not only his development but the relationship he has with his sister, who comes into the family years after her brother. Teachers, doctors, friends and family all play a role, too --- sometimes in a negative, judgmental way, and sometimes with a heartwarming spirit of compassion --- as Sachiko and Masato learn to cope, live and move on. That's the brightness of these two graphic novels and the triumphant nature of its storytelling.

--- Reviewed by John Hogan

I really enjoyed this book. As a female I couldnt relate to everything in this book, but there were many situations I felt kin to. He doesnt sugar coat the problems in his life, or pretend his change to Christianity was over night.
I would buy a copy for the male friends in my life to read, only I dont want him to think this man is correct on the topic of submission. For example he says his wife's friends would call to make sure she was cooking for her man. Maybe this worked for their relationship, however, I do not feel God has this outlined as a role for all women in marriage. Some of us are very successful in business and other avenues, we work more then our men or have men who enjoy cooking for us/shared responsibilities. He non-intentionally he belittles women, not his wife or other believers that live up to his standard, but every other woman out there. In his opinion all men in the game want is sex, and all women fall for men through this same avenue.
In the same respect, I think he is just ignorant to it; he handles homosexuality in an awesome and loving way. I found this to be right on!
I also liked the way he discussed his troubles in giving up smoking weed, this is a major topic for most people I know who become believers. I would recommend this book depsite its downfalls it is great for new Christians, especially young men who love hip hop as it is parallelled throughout the book.

It's about time!

Over the years there has been a brewing desperatation for someone in the hip-hop generation to stand up and be a voice for others who hunger and thirst after a relationship with God. Mykel Mitchell is that voice. He says what many people are thinking and simply cannot articulate. He helps his readers understand that you are more cool being a Christian than not. No pun intended.

I love his expertise on the hip-hop culture. I love the fact that although there was a huge transformation in his life, he didn't lose himself, because the reality is, the Lord can use all of us. Hmph! Look at Paul.

This book needs to be in EVERY household, recording studio, beauty salon, barber shop, prison, school, group home and the like. It is a must-have! It will inevitably cause people to feel uncomfortable, and that is okay. When that happens, just know that is the Holy Spirit at work and don't try to blame the writer.

Lives will be transformed.

I can't top what has already been said about this awesome book! It inspired me, challenged me...I could not put it down. I will be buying more copies for friends. I thank the Lord for Mykel (and Sheeri.) They have the amazing ability to be so passionate for Christ yet real and humble in their walk. Hey, I would love for them to write a book on parenting! They have great insight....Blessings Mykel and Sheeri!

This book is a blessig for anyone who wants to know how GOD sees the hearts of this generation. The message of this work,could not have the impact it does ,without the ispiration of GOD. Thank you Mykel Mitchell for being obdient in completing this testament .

What keeps young people away from the church? What can be done to draw them in? Why would young people want to go to church anyway? These are but a few of the questions Mykel Mitchell addresses in his book WORD: For Everybody Who Thought Christianity Was for Suckas. Using his own life as an example, he shares his experiences in a vivid and honest manner.

He begins by explaining why he was turned off by churches and religion and then candidly explains the sense of despair and lack of fulfillment that led him to give it another try. He reflects on how his professional success, material goods and hip-hop lifestyle were not enough to provide a true sense of fulfillment. He reminisces about his journey back to Christianity and the struggles he encountered while trying to be not only a better Christian, but a better man. From there he goes on to discuss various issues such as sex, money, marriage, and forgiveness, all from the Christian perspective. Most importantly he notes, that while he has changed in many respects, he hasn't rejected his hip-hop style.


I can't express what a gem this book is. It is great for churches trying to build or enhance youth ministries because it highlights some of the reasons why some young people are difficult to engage. The book uses everyday language and hip-hop slang to explain some of the basic tenants of Christianity. As a result, it is a book young people can enjoy and relate to. This can be used to expose non-Christian teens and young adults to the faith and would also be a wonderful discussion tool for Sunday School classes and youth groups. Mitchell points out that commitment to God doesn't mean giving up having fun and being hip, but it offers the added security of knowing that God is working in your life and has your back. I highly recommend this book.

Reviewed by Stacey Seay
of The RAWSISTAZ™ Reviewers

I teach an ESL class to immigrants and use this book constantly. My students like this book becuz of the pictures, conversation ideas at the bottom and translations in several languages. I've had to order books (in Spanish, Chinese, Korean) for my students who want their own copies. We love this book!

I'm very lucky to find this book, because it will helps me to learn English. But I think it's good also for everybody because the book teach us the correct name of the things that we need day by day.
It's my second by at Amazon and I'm very happy
Cordially,
Luzia

This is the kind of dictionary I needed. When you want to know how to say a concrete concept you will understand better if you use this picture dictionary.

Please review the book I ordered its call word by word picture dictionary, second edition

I was lucky enough to be in a situation where my adult ESL classroom had enough in-classroom copies for all students to use during classtime. I used this almost everyday. It's a fantastic way to teach new vocabulary, especially when you combine its use with other teaching tools, such as acting out motions. I often had my students use the books to quiz each other. This is a good resource, and if you can get enough copies for everyone in your class to share, DO IT!

Jason Perry's book, You Are Not Your Own: Living Loud For God is pretty awesome. It really made me want to live sold out for Him. Even if you're not a Plus One fan like I am, I encourage you to read this book. It will change your life for the better.

... this the best book I have read in my entire life and I am not just saying that because I am a BIG Plus One fan!! Lets just say that Jason is a man after Gods own heart, just like David in the Bible. This book has touched my life in an unexplainable(sp.) way!! ...

... when i read Jason's book i was amazed... he's so open in the book. he tells things that if it were me i'd be kinda afraid to share with people. Jason isn't amazing because he's cute or he has a good voice or because he wrote a book, Jason is who he is because God made him that way. God has used Jason, and the guys of Plus One in my life through their music. I would definately recommend Jason's book to any teen(or even adult probably). I know this is a "you are not your own" review......

Jason Perry became an adult while with the very popular Christian boy band Plus One (he left the group at the end of 2002). Once you read this book, you will realize that he also grew up spiritually as well.

Think of "You Are Not Your Own: Living Loud For God" as an autobiography of Jason's walk with the Lord. Although it is a very short book (only 127 pages), Jason has bared his soul to us completely. He not only shares the good, but the bad as well. Many people, especially those who grew up in the church, should be able to relate to Jason.

God has worked wonders in Jason's heart, which will become very obvious to you as you read the book. Though written for an audience his age and younger, even those like me who are (much) older will be touched by Jason's openness and honesty.

Thank you, Jason, for listening to the Lord and sharing with us. I have been truly blessed by it.

This book is TOTALLY AWESOME .It will draw you closer to God.It will encourage,challange,and bring you into a closer relationship with Him!This book is really helping me with my walk with God and it is showing me the areas I need to give to Him.Believe me you or the person you'll be buying it for will love it.I can hardly put it down.I hope Jason writes another book.Believe me you will not be disappointed.Even if you're not a Plus One fan you you will still definitely enjoy it.God Bless!

If you are reading this review, you may be a newcomer to this children's Christian curriculum.

A brief history: Sonja M. Stewart and Jerome W. Berryman's YOUNG CHILDREN AND WORSHIP is not just another set of Sunday School or Church School materials. It's a paradigm shift in the religious education of children. Religiously,it shifts away from the view that children are "born sinful" towards the view that children are spiritual beings, born with a longing to connect with the heart of Being, longings that they do not have the language to express. Educationally, it shifts away from the view of teacher as adult know-it-all who pours learning in to an empty vessel towards the Montessorian view of children and adults as explorers together.

The educational roots here are with Maria Montessori. Her disciple, Sofia Cavaletti, created the curriculum known as "Catechesis of the Good Shepherd," used in many churches, but especially in Catholic and Anglican or Episcopal congregations. Sofia Cavaletti's disciple, Jerome W. Berryman, an ordained Episcopal priest, has created the curriculum known as "Godly Play," and Berryman, together with Sonja M. Stewart, an ordained Presbyterian minister, have produced the curriculum in this book, YOUNG CHILDREN AND WORSHIP, sometimes called the "Children Worship and Wonder" curriculum. All are rooted in the religious and educational assumptions mentioned above.

If you are a newcomer to all this, I suggest you start by reading YOUNG CHILDREN AND WORSHIP. Read the Bible "presentations," which make up 2/3rds of the book. Read the presentations as you would read a personal, devotional book, one or two or three daily. Notice how, in the course of a year, the lessons present the history of Christian faith and the story of the church. Notice how traditional Biblical language is used, but sparely and with child-appropriate simplicity. Notice how the curriculum spirals back on itself; notice the repeated introduction of Jesus: once there was a man "who said such amazing things and did such wonderful things that people began to follow him." Notice the repeated language introducing the parables: "sometimes parables seem to have lids on them. But when you lift the lid of a parable there is something very precious inside..."

If you think as I do that this curriculum is light years better than anything else out there, then study the teacher's helps also in the text. You may want to seek training or read some of the other works referenced above or go to their websites.

I have worn out my first copy- having used the patterns and lessons for teaching Sunday School. Godly Play is portable and the pieces may often be made from cheap or found materials.Godly Play is useful, not just for children- I have given lessons in nursing homes,to seminary students, and others. Every one takes something different from seeing the presentations. The energy is indeed holy in each instance, where I have done my job correctly- so different from the stuffy old paper curriculum !

This book includes explaination, 41 stories (lessons), and plans for materials needed of a great worship service children really get into. I have been doing this program for 2 years and my children are incredible. I wish the adults would have this much respect. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a successful worship program for their children.

Young Children and Worship is an inspiring way to draw young children into the stories of scripture, the stories of God, enabling them to worship, interact with God, and ponder who He is. The form is a simplified version of the traditional order of worship emphasizing quiet, beauty and awe. After the introductory chapters most of the book tells you how to present specific stories. The focus in this book is on basic stories that tie into the church year and traditional worship. I found it very inspiring, whatever your worship tradition.

This is the seminal volume of what became the Godly Play movement.If you haven't yet explored Godly Play, I heartily recommend the method as such, and as set forth in Young Children in Worship. Godly Play allows children to experience Bible stories and other stories that carry faith messages, told with an archetypal spareness that allows each listener to absorb and reflect on the material in his or her own way. A teacher tells the story with the help of tactile materials, then helps children "wonder" about the stories. Children then may move to independent or shared "work" (art or reenactment of the story). The atmosphere is quiet, focused, and meditative. Tactile materials used in storytelling respect children's way of processing information. The method creates a space in which children may link faith-based language with their own perceptions of God, or fulfill deep emotional/spiritual needs. Godly Play is adaptable to different traditions and faiths by choosing among, or amending, the stories. We've found it to be deep and satisfying to all participants, young and old.

Young Children and Worship will tell you everything you need to know to get a Godly Play program going. It includes patterns and specifications for creating storytelling materials as well as information on all aspects of the work and philosophical thought on the Godly play method. Most of the book consists of stories from the Old and New Testament, plus other lessons, such as The Light, or The Church Year, that present concepts of Christian faith. Teacher notes show the use of tactile materials and provide "wondering" questions.

The obvious comparison is to co-author Jerome Berryman's outpouring of independent volumes on Godly Play. Berryman's many independent titles provide a few additional stories and expand on classroom management and facilities provision. He examines the effect of the work on children as well. However, Berryman's independent work may have exceeded its usefulness to practioners. Young Children and Worship is a do-it-yourself work that Berryman now seems to wish we didn't know about, preferring to sell us an endless series of new books and, from the Godly Play website, expensive materials. To be fair, Berryman's refinements and insight have grown as he practices. But decide your priorities before buying additional Godly Play materials. Young Children and Worship may be all you need.

this book comprised of blessing prayers that allow parents to bless their children in every aspect of their lives, to teach them to treasure God's promises, the blessings God has for them, and helping them to continue to live through their continuing faith in God.
Unlease your blessings.

Do you want your children to receive the blessings of God? This is a book that all parents should take to heart if you what to bless your children. It is easy to read and use, the concept is simple just need 5 minutes or more depending on what you desire. You'll find out what a great difference your blessings really make in the lives of those you love most (your children). The bottom line is - you need to give time to expose spiritual matter in their lives instead of leaving God's promises and blessings out altogether.
I'm thrilled that here is a book to enrich my family's prayer life and God's promises to pass on.

This is not the sort of book you read at one go and say, "THAT"S NICE". This is a book you do. The more you use this book daily, the more you'll benefit and get out of it. So, set aside the time to use this book and do this book to bless your children. Thank You Pastor Sebastian. May this book release more of God's promise and blessing to our children so that they can enjoy God to the fullest. God bless them plentifully.

This is such a great way to pray for & with your child everyday!!! It is very simple & easy to fllow... I LOVE IT!! I am thankful i found it! A must for every parent!

A must to have book for every mom and dad who wants to make a difference in the spiritual lives of their children. The book reminds us of the value of pronouncing blessings - how they can begin to experience God's promises in a different way and becoming aware of the blessings bestowed on them.

Add blessings and excitement of God's promises to their growth. They will benefit by how God's Word communicates to them. It's a tool that will literally prepare them to achieve what God had planned for them.

I bought this book early in the year to prepare for my AP Psychology course. It was a TREMENDOUSLY HELPFUL supplement with my Psychology textbook (Myers).

One of the reasons why I enjoyed this book was it has a "student planner" to carefully allocate your time in order to maximize your score on the AP test. If I had to estimate the time per week I used to read this book to fill in the holes I missed in the textbook, it would be at least 1 1/2 hours a week.

I followed exactly what the book recommended me to study, and when I finally took the AP Exam: I couldn't believe how easy it was.

Buy the book. It's your ticket to a 5.

With the easy-to-read text and study plans for the A student and the procrastinator, it is the best AP study guide I've seen for Psych. It is also more detailed than the Barron's and goes into depth about everything covered.

I used only this book to help prepare for the AP test, and I didn't take the class. If you are good at studying and memorizing, and at least somewhat interested in the subject, you can definetly pass the test with this book. I liked that there was a quiz after each chapter, it helped me focus on what I needed to review again from the precious chapter. Also, the text is not small so it's easy to read, and it's written in way that doesn't put you to sleep.

I was taking the AP Psychology on-line course. Half of the stuff in the on-line class was not on the test. And the class is only one semester so I was only half-way through the course when I decided to screw it and just read this book. I highly recommend it. It was the only thing I used. And I only studied this for about a week. I got a 4, but I only read about 2/3 of it. If you were to read the whole thing, I would say you would probably get a 5. I only spent a week, only read 2/3, but I spent many hours on it and focused. I tried the Barron's one too, but it didn't work for me. It had a lot of good information, but it was dull. This book had everything I needed, I only wish I would have read the whole thing.

Because my school is in the Boondocks, I did an independent study of AP Psychology. This book was what I used as my textbook. Most AP books have a content review section that resembles a bullet list. This book, however, provides very well written and complete chapters covering every aspect of the test. I took the two practice tests in the book before I took the exam and got a 5 on both. The practice tests were practically identical to the real thing. I highly recommend this for both the type of person that studies well in advance or the type that reads the entire review book in the weekend before the test and prays that he still got a 5 (I'm neither confirming or denying that I did this).

This is a great book with LOTS of useful information and lesson plans. It really helped me to understand the 6 Traits better, and how to go about teaching them to my kids. If your new to 6 traits this is a must have!

This is a terrific resource and one that I have been using all year in my classroom. We have begun using this book as a book study for a Professional Learning Community at our school for those teaching K-3. My Grade One class has never loved writing more and their enthusiasm for writing has been tremendous.

This book will definitely aid in developing your 6 + 1 writing classroom. It is filled with classroom ideas and great picture books to use to enhance each lesson.

This is a fantastic tool for lower elementary teachers. This is how writing should be assessed. This book is a practical tool. It includes practice assessments and lots of student example papers to help you better understand each trait and how to evaluate it. It also includes many wonderful teaching ideas and picture book examples!

We asked. We pleaded. We begged, "Pretty pleeease." Ruth Culham responded to our request with great enthusiasm with 6+1 Traits of Writing: The Complete Guide for the Primary Grades. And teachers across the globe cheered, "Wahoo!" Finally, a resource book for primary educators who have been searching for child tested ideas that tackle instructional strategies and assessment techniques in one comprehensive book. Thank you, Ruth, for doing a wonderful job of explaining each trait, equipping us with developmentally appropriate focus lessons, and reminding us that teaching writing to young authors is a process in which they need plenty of practice and opportunities, and an extra helping of patience on our part doesn't hurt. This must have book for all teachers - novice and experienced alike - won't be another resource that is shelved after a quick glance. It will be close at hand as it is used throughout the year to help develop the talents of young writers.

This book is fascinating and will it will be highly valuable in planning spelling lessons. It is the ultimate resource for the wisdom of teaching phonetics.

For intermediate to advanced phonics, Bishop's text is a great resource, but it's not for every reading teacher. It should be particularly valuable for reading specialists, speech therapists, and anyone looking to develop curriculum material.

How have I used the text? It's helped me adapt and develop materials for a junior-high student who reads 3-4 grades below level because of dyslexia. He hates the skill-sheets that were so obviously developed for elementary students. Now I can adapt or create materials easily.

What does the text offer? It generally gives 20-40 examples for every spelling-sound pattern, and explains the situations that lead to the exceptions. Entries are cross-referenced to examples that follow similar patterns. Bishop points out differences you probably haven't thought of noticing before (for example, when the featured spelling-sound pattern is stressed or unstressed, voiced or not voiced. Each of these distinctions comes with a separate set of supporting examples.) Bishop offers clues that help readers know which pattern to follow when sounding out a word that "sounds" equally like two different spellings.

This book far exceeded my expectations!
It unravels the mystery of the so-called unexplainably strange ways of spelling so many of our English words. Clear & concise format.
EXCELLENT for young children learning to read & spell...it answers any questions you might have about the rules of the way letters are put together in words & pronounced.
A must have for any home library...

Seldom is it possible to find an extensive list of specific 'unusual' information about our language. The ABC's and All Their Tricks contains a list of the number of times phonograms appear in English words.
As an educator of children and adults, specializing in spelling and grammar, I needed this information at my fingertips. Using the book as a reference, I find it easy to explain the consistency of our language and dispel the myth that English is too irregular and difficult to learn. Amazon is the only place I could find this book, as it was not available in Australia.

I liked the information this book offered, particularly because I believe it would be helpful to anybody teaching children--educators, parents, tutors, etc. You don't have to have a certain curriculum package to make this work. I LOVE having resources around that you don't have to read cover to cover. This is one that you can look up what you have questions on. Sometimes, when a student doesn't "get" something, it is only because it isn't presented in a format they understand. Often, the educator just needs a different tactic than what appears "obvious" to them, but not to the child. A great reference.