Invitations Books

I am a former teacher-turned-stay-at-home-mom and I find myself referring to my tattered book over and over again.

Routman's user friendly guide is well written, easy to understand and extremely practical to use. It has made me reflect on my teaching techniques in a whole new way and I now think and rethink what I do and why I do it. I have seen my at-risk students gain success using the program and I have seen my other students feel a love of reading and writing because of the techniques I learned. It does work.

Some say that whole language is a fraud and that it doesn't work. That is truly unfortunate. It has gotten a bad rap because many people assume that whole language ignores the skills. I taught phonics in my classroom and it was a whole language classroom. Phonics are necessary but just not the only thing necessary and this book helps you to find the other parts of a good literacy program!

This is an absolute MUST for both emerging educators and for veteran teachers who are willing to keep up with the never-ending changes in education! Ms. Routman does not get bogged down with quoting today's "educational standards" in her book, because she does not write in order to please State Boards of Education (which I'm sure she accomplishes, anyway). This is the "inviting" thing about "Invitations"! She writes out of her love of learning, and even more, her love and belief in children, ALL children, as capable learners!

As a novice myself, entering into the world of teaching, I have found Ms. Routman's book to be my bible, at my fingertips in the classroom and on my desktop when preparing lessons, research papers, and answering some of those tough questions like, "Well, Johnny doesn't WANT to read! What can I do to motivate him into a love of learning?" Ms. Routman answers this question and more.

I'm not talking about an author who gives wonderfully idealistic examples of "what to do", but an author who describes, through concrete examples, lessons, approaches, philisophy, and ideas as to HOW to set up your classroom and get your kids reading and writing. She also includes an abundance of resource information (in her "Blue Pages" section) as to where to seek out additional information. An entire section is outlined in detail on how to present "fantasy" writing for children. It's as if somebody took the time to do the work for you, yet she leads you to a place where you want to go beyond what she's done and create even more for yourself and for your students.

I have used many ideas and suggestions from this book, from "flip books" to the tiny "eight-page" booklet (out of a single piece of paper, no less!) in order to encourage my students' writing in ways which are both fun and meaningful. Never have I been met with a grunt or groan in my classroom when using an "enterprise" from Ms. Routman's book.

As for the "veteran" teacher, well...while I cannot claim to be one, I have seen (during my student teaching experience) teachers who are afraid (yes, afraid!) of making the leap from so-called "tried and true" ways of teaching to utilizing today's newer ideas in education. Routman addresses these issues in a non-condescending, respectful manner, and attempts to sort out ways of individualizing education, emphasizing cooperation in the classroom, and including ALL students in lessons no matter what their "seeming" ability is said to be, in order to bring each and every student to his or her fullest potential. This is not an easy task in today's classroom where the teacher lives and breathes under a microscope.

Perhaps there are better books than this one out there...if there are, I haven't yet located one which includes the wealth of knowledge and insight that this one does.

Call me an "over-zealous novice" if you must. I don't mind. I'm going with Routman and her suggestions. Go ahead! Try it yourself! Consider yourself officially "Invited"!

The book is a great resource for teachers. It provides step-by-step techniques to help you teach different strategies to students in the area of language arts. Many of the techniques can also be used with other disciplines. One technique is called the KWL. It allows students to participate and to critically think. K=what do you know? W=what do you want to know L=what did you learn? Using this technique, it will teach students' strategies such as using their prior knowlege and predictions. The book also includes pictures and numerous examples to guide you. It promotes cooperative learning and draws from the interest of the students. The book also provides a variety of different techniques to reach students of all ability levels.

Making Peace With Your Work is a generous and gentle invitation to think about your relationship to work and the relationship of your work to your life. In addition to the exploration about creating more satisfying work, the book provides practical action ideas for taking steps to make peace with your work. It encourages us to see and appreciate what's working and to see, reframe and change what's not working. This is the perfect book for any individual who: wants a more satisfying work experience; is considering a work/career change; is experiencing challenges with people or with tasks at work; wants to stop being a workaholic, or wants to balance a satisfying work life with a satisfying personal/family life. It will also be a great resource for coaches and leadership development consultants in their work with others. Dr. Ambrose masterfully guides us to more meaningful work and more meaningful lives. It's a great read.

So many of us work for the paycheck rather than to satisfy a deeper need. The result is millions of miserable people whose frustration spills out onto every aspect of their lives. In clear, vivid terms, Dr. Ambrose offers eight choices anyone can use to either make peace with the work they already have or resolve with calm and purpose to seek greener pastures. There are many books about success in the workplace, but this is the first one I've read with so much simple yet profound and practice advice.

Making peace with your Work describes the inner journey involved in integrating our spirit--our soul--into our work life so we are not separated from we who truly are when we are at work. Delorese Ambrose offers practical ways for all of us to live undivided lives. Every chapter contains not only rich concepts but examples of people who have put that idea into practice. She herself experienced a steady rise to success, after which she grappled with the loss of meaning in her work. That experience brought her to a more authentic way of living and working. Her story is inspiring and challenging. I found the last four chapters to be especially helpful guidelines for finding depth of meaning and challenge in my life.

Delorese Ambrose hits the mark with her musings about how our work defines our life and how we can better define our work. Whether we get a paycheck or not, we all work. If we are lucky and persistent, we discover the work that manifests our life purpose. It feeds our souls as well as our bodies. When you reach the last page, you will have been changed for the better by the insights and the questions for further discovery - and the book may call you back again and again to accompany you on your life journey.

The Boxcar Children were one of my favorite series of books when I was young. As a grandma, I have purchsed these books to read to my grandson which I started in the Spring of 2008. He was a 1st grader at the time and he loves them too. We have just finished this book and it is so much fun seeing how he tries to figure out the mystery as we go along. He will not let his parents read these books to him - only his grandma or grandpa! He even said that someday his dad will read them to his grandchildren and then someday he (grandson) will read them to his grandchildren! It is a great bonding and sharing time with him.

I think this book is about 4 kids that go up into their grandfathers attic to look for things to wear on their grandfathers birthday. When they find out that somebody stole Mr. Alden's wife's necklace. My favorite part of the story was when the adventure began. It was very exciting. I think ages 7 and up should read this book.

When the Boxcar Childre want to plan a party for Grandfather they go to the attic and pick out some clothes. While they are searching Jessie finds a picture of their Grandmother and shows it to Grandfather. He says the necklace she was wearing got lost the day after their wedding when she was helping the Caters clean up. The Boxcar Children see a picture of a lady with the necklace on in the newspaper, that lives where Aunt Jane lives.They go to Aunt Jane's house and ask some questions to different people.When they hed back home the day of Mr. Alden's Party Mrs. Newton comes to their house(one of the people they talked to)with the necklace. She told them the story of how she got it she said that her son had been a caterer at Mr. Alden's wedding and stole the Necklace.

This book is so neat! It is a great mystery story and is fun to read. Since this book is part of a series, you might expect all the books to be boring, right? Wrong, some are actually really good! I think this is the best of the series that I have read so far! Read this, you won't forget it!

This book is very well laid out. I am a teacher and would absolutely recommend this as an intro textbook to marine science. It contains all that you would need to know. great as a first year colledge text or even an advanced high school textbook.

Purchase and delivery were right on key. Very pleased with whole process. Item arrived in excellent condition. My daughter received a B+ on her first Oceanography College Exam (just points away from an A). That makes all the difference in the world....................Thanks.

This textbook is very well written. It is ubnderstandible to students and others of all ages and interests. It contains intersting color pictures and graphics about the subject material for each chapter. Each chapter also contains web links to a homepage that accompanies the book. The book is full of intersting personal stories, history, theory, and facts. Dr. Garrison and all who have contributed to this book have set the standard for textbooks and integrated learning for the next decade.

I took Tom Garrison's class at Orange Coast College in Costa Mesa, CA. Wonderful class! He taught along with the book and every session was both insightful and interesting. Dr. Garrison is without a match in instructional etiquette and eloquence. Indeed, this book showcases his best work on the subject. Read the book... Be educated by the diagrams and charts... Be taken back at the amazing realms of life under the ocean... And most of all, be in awe of a marvelous earth (or "Oceanus") that is in great need of our consideration right now. Otherwise we end up dead like the aliens... Oops.. I hope I did't give a way the ending! If you have few bucks, come and take the class at OCC. You will be so glad you did. Just don't come in late through one of the side doors, or leave your cell phone on. He can't STAND those things! It drives him CRAZY!

An excellent book and a keeper. I have bought it for several of my friends.

A very compelling true story...It's very hard to put the book down. I read the book in 3 days, at work, at home and where ever I could get 10 minutes of spare time.

This book is very good. I was skeptical at first, but I realized that the change in the man happened over a long period of time.

This book is a special and important story of redemption and forgiveness. It follows the life of Jim Townsend, from his troubled youth, to his commission of a horrible crime, to decades spent in jail, and finally to a life of promise and hope. The lessons that Jim learns throughout his life help him finally to see his self-worth and prompt him to work on behalf of youth and inmates in this country. I found the story harrowing - and the take-away incredibly meaningful. While Jim's life is dramatic, its messages resonated with me (and, I wager, with all of us): forgiveness, freedom, love, self-worth. I highly recommend this book.

If you have ever wondered if there is more to life than what you're experiencing right now, get this book! My personal relationship with Jesus went to a whole new level of intimacy. The result was a greater sense of freedom and fullness in my walk with the Savior. I absolutely savored this book!

This book is honest, accessible, and profound. How refreshing to be drawn to a place of greater listening to, and awareness of, God's presence, instead of having another list of things to do.
My copy of this book is fully marked up with exclamation points, smiles and underlines. It spoke to me deeply and personally. There's even an occassional "ouch" in the margin where Warne so deftly identifies things in my life or the life of the Church that need to change. Yet, with his characteristic humor, he makes me feel like we are all on this journey together.

I'm not one to read spiritual books but was recommended this author by a friend. It was a pleasant surprise to see the down to earth, simple, challenging and profound way this book got me thinking about why I do what I do and how to become something more. In a world of complex theology and popular doctrine I found Soul Craving to be relateable and honest. If you're looking for a way to personally engage your faith I highly recommend this book.

Soul Craving brought me to a very quiet place of inner reflection. The author's approach is unique among contemporary writers in his approach to meditation and prayer. Readers will find themselves drawn along a soul-journey where they find that they are able to experience deep spiritual insights into the intimacy of God. This book should be a great one for people who are seeking to deepen their spiritual life.

If you have a little girl, this is a fantastic interactive book to keep her engaged. Anything to encourage kids to read and increase their love of reading is terrific. My twins turned 5 when I bought this and I would say this book is good for kids age 3 to 7.

My 4-year-old daughter, who is fascinated with ballerinas, has enjoyed every Angelina book I have read to her. We were excited to find this latest story about her favorite dancing mouse. In the story, Angelina finds a large envelope containing two tickets to see Serena Silvertail perform with the Royal Ballet. But each time she asks a friend to attend with her, they have other plans! This cleverly designed book features page-sized envelopes containing actual tickets, letters, and postcards that children can pull out and read. My daughter's favorite is the large pull-out poster of the Cindermouse ballet. The only problem we have had is that my less-than-gentle 2.5-year-old daughter was also eager to enjoy this book. I've repaired a few envelopes with tape and I have to verify the pull-outs are still inside the flaps before reading the story again. Definitely recommended reading!

This book is a nice story and the pull-out tickets, letters, poster, etc. added a wonderfully fun dimension to this book. I wouldn't give this book to a child much under 4, however, unless you happen to have one that is really meticulous about keeping things nice. It would be very easy to mess up the book or lose the pull-outs, which are important to the plot.

We bought this as a gift. Can't wait until my little ballerina is old enough to have it.

I took one of Barbara's workshops last spring and found her writing to be as charming and open as she was in person. I have received so many compliments on the projects that I have done. I hope that she will forgive me for biting my tongue and taking all of the credit!

I am a professional photographer and a paper crafter and I was already offering custom handmade invitations and announcements. Even with my experience, this was the most informative book on this subject I have ever read. I'm actually buying a second copy of this book so I can keep one intact and cut up the second book to use in my "Visual Journal" (She talks about this in the book)

My only regret is that I live too far to attend one of her workshops.
I can't wait for the second book in this series!

This book is packed with examples of wonderful photos and how to use them. Ms. Smith makes her photographs into incredible cards, albums, stationery...the list goes on and on. The instructions are easy to follow. The list of materials (and where to get them) is extensive. This is more sophisticated than many "how-to" craft books out there--I can't wait to try some of the elegant projects.

Trying to live a life centered on love of Christ, and open to his gifts, is not an easy challenge in today's busy world. This new edition of Fr. Basil Pennington's CALL TO THE CENTER is just what I have been looking for as the next book selection for our centering prayer support group. The chapters are short--excellent for an evening's discussion. It is written in a conversational style, but filled with insights for deepening prayer, and helps for avoiding some of the common difficulties. This is a book that can be read and re-read. Fr. Basil's enthusiasm and genuine love for centering prayer will certainly be an inspiration to those new to this form of prayer, and an encouragement for those who have been following the Gospel's invitation to deeper prayer--the book's subtitle--in the years since, as Fr. Basil reminds us, the "Second Vatican Council has made it most clear that all are called to intimate holiness, to the joy of contemplative union with the Lord."

Call To The Center: The Gospel's Invitation To Deeper Prayer is a collection of meditations by M. Basil Pennington (a Cistercian monk of St. Joseph's Abby in Spencer, Massachusetts) on the Gospel of Matthew. This reflections fairly reverberate with an abiding faith and the power of opening one's heart to God. Light, duty, faith, and reverence form core principles in this enlightening work which is a very highly recommended addition to Christian Studies reading lists and library collections.

The book's title says it all: it is something like a hearing aid, helping us listen to the Gospels with the ears of our hearts. Pennington is so deeply experienced and so learned in this subject that he speaks with supreme authority. He is a teacher to be trusted.
This book will be both a guide for beginners and support for those far along the way of prayer. It will be much loved.

To Stasi and John,I started to read your book on Thrusday,July17th.I have not been able to put it down. I just finished a work shop on self improvement, which bought out a lot of which you have written on abandonment, that's me.I've been freed, thanks to the work shop, thru the working of the Holy Spirit I feel such a release. I think ,act,and speak all in a new way. I have recommended your book to friends of mine. This book is as the youth say, "off the hook, or off the chain".
Now I would like to read the book for men so I can get a better understanding of men.
Thank you again,
Laverne Albuoy.

The delivery was fast and books were as promised. You can't beat the price.

i bought this as a mother's day gift for my daughter. It hit home for me. I wanted to share a word with my daughter. She is a wonderful mother and wife, but we all soemtimes forget the gift we have been given from The Lord as a woman.