Education Books

As a requirement for The Summer Reading Clinc at Miami University, my colleagues and I were required to read "Beyond Tradtional Phonics" by Margaret Moustafa. This book was enlightening, one of the best I have read in a long itme. Throughout my course work to prepare for our reading clinic, I had become familiar with many of the concepts covered in this book, but Moustafa covers these topics : the need for the access to books of the appropriate reading level, the importance of teaching phoincs surrounded in literature and the fact that letter phonemes mean little to children if they are not able to read, in such a matter that I was thrilled to hear it again, and couldn't wait to share the books with fellow teachers at my school. The section of the book that I found to be the most alarming is the fact that so many children have less that .4 books on their appropriate reading level in their homes and that these studetns may attend schools that have less that .5 books per student available. This study contniues to report that in these schools, the students are seldom able to check out books to take home, because of the small number available in the first palce. This just reinforces the importance of have a variey of reading levels in your classroom library. All students need to find books that allow them to experience successful reading episodes. Moustafa's book makes you more aware than ever of the need to provide a wide reange of reading materials in your classroom library. I will work to diversify my book selection this year, and I hope many other classroom teachers will join me.

This book looks beyond our old assumptions about how children learn to read. Moustafa presents research to support the fact that traditional phonics drills do not help children learn letter-sound correspondances. Rather, children naturally use onset and rime to make these correspondances. Children also use onset and rime to figure out unfamiliar words in a text. Moustafa then presents ways to help any reading teacher improve their reading instruction based on this research.

This book is very easy to read. Moustafa uses language we can all understand. She does not try to speak over everyone's heads. Her ideas about the differences between traditional phonics instruction and a more modern approach to phonics instruction reaffirmed my own ideas about the role phonics plays in the teaching of reading. I used to teach in a more traditional way of taking parts and moving toward the whole. Then after inservices and courses I took on teaching reading I began to use a whole-to-part approach. Moustafa cited research that supports this type of approach. She also discusses the importance of giving children reading materials on their levels and providing time for shared reading experiences. In the research she presents, children experienced the most success when they were given time everyday to read and be read to. Reading teachers, especially new reading teachers, should read this book because most undergraduate programs do not provide enough instruction on how to teach children to read.

Margaret Moustafa's book explores the realms of language development beyond that of traditional phonics instruction that has continually plagued our educational systems. As a middle school language arts teacher I was pleased to see an appropriate instructional book written clearly and concisely in a matter that makes sense. Moustafa proves reading to be something we do naturally. Teachers need to teach kids to read in a natural way with authentic and practical language experiences. Moustafa also discusses the importance of a blend and balance of phonics and whole language instruction within the classroom.

On page 56 of her text she says, "If children are pronouncing print but do not understand what they are saying, they are not reading." As an educator, I believe Moustafa's statement summarizes many of the misconceptions children have about good readers. Reading is not just a performance-based activity, but rather more of a means of exploration and a transportation vehicle to knowledge. Moustafa helps teachers and parents understand that children need to see reading as a more natural occurrence that is attainable by all children.

This book is a must for all educators; undergraduates, graduates, veteran teachers, professors, and administrators in the school buildings and out of the school buildings. This book describes the process that children learn how to read-through meaning. Moustafa relates how phonics lessons do not allow children to make a connection with the outside world; reading within context does. Moustafa describes how important the learner's prior knowledge and experiences tie into learning how to read. She explains the difference between reading words and understanding the text being read. There is a difference, and we need to acknowledge that. In order to do this, the appropriate leveled books must be purchased for daily use in the classroom and used as take home books. Teachers need a vast amount of books on different topics and a range of levels.

An easy read, that's about much more then just the game of hockey. This book delves into the tradition and character of Michigan and it's hockey program. Blue Ice is a must read for anyone interested in Michigan athletics, is familiar with the Ann Arbor hockey community, or just loves the game of hockey.

Blue ice is an impressive book that will be enjoyed by anyone interested in collegiate-level athletics, particularly ice hockey. Bacon is a gifted writer with the ability to interweave historical facts and objective (always informative and often funny) stories that keep the reader entertained. It is a great buy for folks that love factually based stories.

A must-read for hockey lovers! Whether you like Michigan Hockey or any other team, this book is for you. Bacon makes this history story of the Wolverine skaters extremely fun and joyous reading. If you are a Michigan fan, you'd enjoy reading all the details and stories; if you (so wrongly) chose another team to cheer -- you'll become curious as to its own history.
I especially loved the parts of the book (which I consider as "Hockey chanting for Idiots") detailing the rich content and background behind some of what you hear in Yost Ice arena. After reading it, watching the games was so much more fun!

The idea is simple. Write an engaging story recounting the coming of age of a first class collegiate hockey program and spice it with behind the scene details, locker room interviews and humorous anecdotes. The execution is outstanding. Blue Ice takes the reader on a very enjoyable trip looking at the beginnings of college hockey at the University of Michigan, from playing outdoors on the frozen Huron River, to the recent trips that Wolverine skaters have made to the Frozen Four championships. The bonus for readers is getting a sports version of "Connections," with the athletic stories enveloped and intertwined in the history of the time, showing how seemingly unrelated events can influence each other. Easy and entertaining to read, delightful to give as a gift, when it was over, we wanted a sequel.

This is a very informative and insightful look into the rich tradition of Michigan Hockey. The writing is tremendous with great personal interviews with former players and coaches and other people well connected to the program. I loved the off-the-ice stories the most. It is not abook about statistics and generic history. Bacon digs deep into the people involved in the program and relays their stories in a way that makes you feel like you are part of it. You get right inside the locker room, classroom and team parties as well. It is a very easy read and always keeps you entertained.

My kids are 4.5, the preschool cards were a little easy. the kindergarten cards are about right. Now usually with them I find the age ratings on toys are accurate, like other reviewers said the brainquest products are rated a little too old. Some of the concepts are beyond them but about 80% of the cards they are able to do at this age.

This item was delivered very quickly. My daughter loves to do Q & A type flashcards and this is perfect for her to do. We have purchased the previous two BrainQuests as well and will continue to purchase these as our daughter grows.

My grandson looks forward to bedtime each night just so he can do this "learning." He loves these cards and I have seen him learn so much. We also have the preschool set.

These are great stocking stuffers. My daughter received hers the Christmas before she was to start Kindergarten so she could become familiar with the curriculum.These became her favorite flash cards. It also opened doors to teaching things she didn't know like time. Highly recomended

I highly recommend Brain Quest. We now have several sets and I plan on buying additional. Such a fun way for kids to learn. Since they are compact they can go anywhere. We've taken them on car trips, to the doctors office, shopping...just about anywhere. The kids think of it as a game, not as sitting down and learning. This is a great gift for someone as well.

I could not put this book down, because I needed to see how it ended. There is much pain, human challenge, dedication, unbelievable risk, and even humor. The ultimate result leaves the reader wanting to know more. Personally, I would like to see a sequel to find out how this all comes together as this young child develops. The fact that it is based on truth is amazing, because the events themselves read like fiction. This is one determined, incredibly resourceful family unit. Bring hankies!

A fast paced retelling of life experiences none of us would envy. Van Sher has provided us with a very clear picture of how the very best of intentions often cannot avoid disaster when we are raising children. Walk in the characters shoes as they travel through the world of drugs. . .
A must read for parents raising children in a world so deeply influenced by the culture of drugs.

A true story of one family's tragedy dealing with their son's drug addiction and ultimately the loss of their son. Very moving story!

"A Breath Away" is quite simply a poignant family saga that should serve as a wake up call to all "ordinary families" who go through life with their heads in the sand thinking that nothing terrible can happen to their family.

Terrible things can happen to even wonderful families from all walks of life. There is nothing that can tear a family apart and lead it into directions that were never thought imaginable more than a child with a drug problem. Some families fall apart other families are brought closer together and can come through the darkness stronger than before.

That is just one of the lessons taught by this gripping, life lesson by Van Sher. I cannot comprehend that one family had to go through so much in such a short time. A sequel telling the continuing story of the grandson will be welcomed in a few years. A movie about "the first chapter" would be a great movie for the time. I for one cannot wait.

One of the books that "catch" you within the first few pages. I found myself peeking ahead to determine how each episode played out. The undertone of humor shoulders the unbelievable pain, risk and challenge Ed and Cindy confronted. We never want to believe addiction is in our own backyard. No barriers exist. Addiction doesn't discriminate. The commitment of the parents is surreal. Each page tugs and pulls at you. You never know where you are going. I TRULY believe a sequel is in order and a movie a must. It was a one-day read for me. Couldn't put it down !!!

This book is wonderful. When I find myself worrying about something, I read this book, and the Bible passages Dillow refers to, and find great comfort. I have purchased several copies for friends, and they are also finding it very helpful.

When the book did not arrive three days after it was scheduled, I sent an email. A book was shipped immediately. I don't know if the book was lost in transit but the service was excellent.

A small group of ladies are meeting one day a week on their lunch hour to study this book. We have spent two weeks on one chapter. We find it inspires conversation and sharing. One lady said she couldn't use her highlighter because she would have to highlight every word. The questions and meditations in the back cause much thought and reflection.

The bible study group I co-lead is very pleased with the book so far. We are just getting started, and we immediately appreciated the easy-reading style of the chapters. Our group consists primarily of mothers of YOUNG (under age 7) children, and anxiety is a big part of our day and our spirituality at this point in our lives (who has TIME for anything other than filling sippy cups and changing diapers??). This book addresses pertinent issues for us, and we utilize the helpful leader guide/discussion questions available at the back of the book (helps make being the leader less stressful/time consuming).

This is a wonderful book with many great reminders about why we don't need to worry or have anxiety. Great bible references that share the message if we trust God and have faith that we don't need to worry.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/RJQHG0F008VX2 Can I Have Some Money?: Max Gets It!

Arming our children with financial knowledge at a young age is the best gift we can give them. This book is a wonderful tool in guidng parents in that direction. Our Children are the future CEO'S of many corporations. Raising awareness of how to handle money responsibly will put them on the path to a secure and successful future.

As parent coordinator of P.S. 153 in the Bronx, N.Y., I am very impressed with this book. I was pleased to have an opportunity to meet Ms. Sparks at my school earlier this summer. I recommend to other coordinator's citywide to tap into this resource! I look foward to Ms Sparks revisiting my school in the fall to present this material to my students, parents and staff. This subject matter is vital in all of our communities! This is a author who wants to partner with our kids and our schools.

As a First grade teacher the concept of money is rather difficult for my students to grasp, however reading the book "Can I Have Some Money?" by Candi Sparks was a great motivational tool for my students. Many of my children can relate to the experiences of Max, the main character in the story. The book expands on the basic concept of money by introducing the importance of saving, credit and budgeting; skills which I am sure will be an assest to my students even this early in their lives. I placed the book in my classroom library and it is very popular during the Independent Reading periods. "Can I Have Some Money?" by Candi Sparks has taken a rather difficult concept and help make it fun for my students and myself. Keep up the good work and I look forward reading your next book.

This type of information is extremely important, especially since they don't teach you about it in School, I was never educated about credits cards and how to manage my finances, its something you have to learn on your own, and sometimes learn the hard way. I messed up my credit at a very young age and it took me years to make it better, not only that, but you are denied so many opportunities, i.e. being able to buy a car or house, if you don't have good credit. Then you also have to pay higher rates for everything. Candi goes into much more than just credit and this book is so important because it teaches young kids the value of money, when all they perceive is the glamour of money in media and entertainment. Be disciplined about dollars and it will pay off. The way in which she presents the information makes it engaging and exciting for young kids to learn. This is a must read for EVERY person's child and is guaranteed to improve your quality of life from the basic financial principles you learn. I wish I read this as a kid, I would have gotten to where I am today, ten years earlier! I bought 2 copies for my nieces.

Exposes those who do not live in the islands, both young and old,to the customs and colorful surroundings of the Caribbean. The music is a toe tapping, finger snapping passage through the delightful illustrations. The wife ordered a book for herself and plays the CD while driving to and from work!

I originally learned about this CD and activity book when it was used by my son's teacher as part of his sing-along time at school. I couldn't help but notice how engaged my son was in the activities. I fell in love with so many of the songs that I bought a copy for us to have at home! It's a favorite gift I give to kids 3 and up. Even my 10-year old neices love it.

The coloring book part is best for the older kids.

Carribean Colors of the Rainbow combines music, educational informational, and creative opportunities for children. This combination has resulted in a unique and exceptional entertainment and learning product. Children are provided an occassion to have fun, be exposed to cultural diversity, learn, and express their own creativity -- all without redundancy and with nonstop stimulation. Hats off to a wonderful and long awaited contribution to child (and adult) entertainment and learning.

This is the perfect gift: kids love it and so do their parents! Great book & music for kids and cool tunes for Mom & Dad (or people like me without kids). Can't go wrong with this one.

This book is a fresh look at the daily things children encounter in the Caribbean. The tunes are varied - and never dull. It is hard to listen and NOT tap your feet or clap your hands and sing along - the words are right there for you! I've used it with my Kindergarteners, first grade, second grade, third grade and sixth grade...I'm a substitute teacher. All age levels loved it for different reasons. The sixth graders liked the "baracuda and his big sharp teeth". The older children enjoyed coloring the pictures as the songs played while the little ones loved Imelda and all her shoes. Lots of conversation on this one!
I think this is the best thing that's happened to us in the Caribbean in a long time. We didn't have music depicting our life and our childrens' world until now. Thank you Dee and Rachel.

Carla has a great imagination. She enjoys creating unique sandwiches for her school lunches. When trouble rises and her lunches turn into a source of teasing, Carla keeps her chin up and continues to eat her fascinating sandwiches all the while maintaining her kindness to her friends. Coupled with adorable illustrations, this is a wonderful story for all children to enjoy. Even adults will identify with Carla. "Carla's Sandwich" shows children how they do not need to be like others by showing the heroine being strong as an individual. With so many food allergies, people with different incomes, and others who eat with religious or ethical restrictions, "Carla's Sandwich" is a winner!

Carla's Sandwich is a great book that children will surely love!

With its imaginative text by Debbie Herman, and its vivid and bright illustrations by Sheila Bailey, no child will be disappointed as they turn each page to discover which weird and wonderful concoctions Carla will be eating that day for her school lunch.

This book contains a story of being different - and you feel a little sorry for Carla as the other children isolate her because she brings in such unusual combinations of sandwiches to eat, like sardine and mustard with sunflower seeds. But one day, another boy forgets his lunch, and when his hunger gets the better of him, he reluctantly turns to Carla to beg a spare from her.

He does, of course, find the offering delicious, and the other children change their minds about constitutes an `acceptable' sandwich.

Fantastic, colourful and detailed pictures, with an inspiring storyline for children aged four to eight years old, this book was a delight to read and is thoroughly recommended.

Imaginatively written by Debbie Herman and nicely illustrated by Sheila Bailey for young readers ages 4 to 8, Carla's Sandwich has a subtle message about the joy of being different woven into an original story of a little girl who brings weird sandwiches to her school and how her classmates respond to her oddly original sandwiches. After considerable ridicule Carla is able to turn her teasers into tasters and then everyone is into creative sandwich making too! Carla's Sandwich would make a popular and "kid friendly" addition to any school or community library picture book collection!

Here I go again: reviewing a book by one of my favorite kids publishers, FLASHLIGHT PRESS. Carla's Sandwich is the fourth one I've read and reviewed, and it's as delightful as their other choices. You can't go wrong with any of their books.

Author Debbie Herman certainly had a great idea when she created the irrepressible Carla, a little girl with a unique talent for creating delectable, mouth-watering, healthy sandwiches. Captivating illustrations by Sheila Bailey complement the story to perfection, and will enchant adults and children alike.

Carla's sandwiches are creative and unique, to be sure, but "weird" to her classmates. They're creatures of habit--stuck in a rut with their usual hot dogs, peanut-butter-and-jelly and bologna sandwiches--so they ridicule her for being different.

But that doesn't stop Carla, and she soon has them "eating out of her hand" ... literally. How does she accomplish this? And what happens when her worst adversary--a boy, naturally--forgets his lunch one day? Does Carla share with him, or ignore him? How does this girl who dares to be different change her entire school? Well, you'll have to RFY (read for yourself); it will be a delicious reading adventure as you and your kids nibble your way through, page after tasty page.

This book--with its subtle message about the joys of being different--is a great choice for kids from 4 to 8 and will make a delightful addition to any picture-book collection. It will also be an excellent tool for teaching children to think for themselves and to be kind and sensitive to others.

I highly recommend this book, but it's lunchtime, so I'm off to create a yummy sandwich of my own design. Does sliced bananas with mustard and lettuce on rye bread sound good? Help, Carla!

Reviewed by: Betty Dravis, 2008
The Toonies Invade Silicon Valley

Carla smiled and handed Buster a Combo Deluxe.
Buster examined the lettuce, tomato, raisin, bean sprout,
pretzel and mayonnaise sandwich carefully.
He looked at Leslie, then Natie, then Carla.
And then he took a very small bite.

Carla loves to invent unique sandwiches and so she creates the Olive-Pickle-and-Green Bean Sandwich. When the other children tease Carla, she offers Buster one of her extra sandwiches. He takes one bit and loves the taste. As the teasers turn into tasters, Carla's classmates start to make their own original sandwiches.

The humorous part of the story occurs at the end of the book when Carla surprises everyone by bringing a very different (than her normal sandwiches) sandwich to school. I do have to wonder if she has tried soy butter or chocolate soy butter.

~The Rebecca Review

Top Marks for this highly readable and clear intro to Voice over IP. The subject matter is dealt with in reasonable detail and the author achieves great clarity in explaining difficult technical concepts. He also delves a bit into the history and background which also helps to put the subject matter in context. He even adds a small example of how to go about dimensioning a VOIP network at the end of the book.

Aimed specifically at designers of public telecommunications networks, this easy to read book provides practical and useful hands-on information. Where necessary, topics are covered in great detail. For example, 120 pages are dedicated to H.323. Softswitch architecture and programming are covered, and 55 pages are devoted to discussing Quality of Service issues.

We believe this book to be an essential read, and recommend it highly.

Great book on VoIP, still emerging technology. It did a great job in explaining concepts related to QoS such as RSVP, DiffServ and MPLS. Right from basics such as IP, UDP, TCP and various coding techniques you will find great explanation to each and every item. If you are interested in knowing about VoIP or you if u wanna work on VoIP this is the ONLY book you need. There is very detailed and neat explanation related to MGCP, MEGACO, SS7 and SIP too. The only thing that i felt lacking is testing of voice quality both subjective and objective and how they could be done. No doubt in giving 5 *s to it, great job!

This book does a very good job of giving an introduction to the VoIP world. As a professional in the telecom domain, I found this book very useful. Application of VoIP to telco domain as in the case of softswitch architecture for backhaul and the QoS issues that carriers have to deal with is also well covered at a good amount of detail. The book also provides detailed discussion on the protocols. However, I skipped passed these sections and unable to comment if such material was covered well.

Overall - a very good book. Highly recommend it.

I serious think that I should not write this review since I do not understand half of this book, but then again, I have read this and also Cisco Intergrated Voice Data and can in some way be a poor/insufficient abeit enthusastic tour guide. I have noticed other reviewers describing this book as great - but I do not think this book is comparable to monumental classic like Jeff Doyle or Kennedy Clarks books on Routing and Switching - where they display in-depth knowledge on the topic plus an ability to explain thing in the clearest possible way. I rate this book 5 stars for the sole reason that the author do appear to have an overwhelming knowledge of computer telephony - although I cannot quite judge whether they are technically accurate or error free - and has taken his valueable time off to write them down and share with us. While the author definitely has the kindest intention of making it "understanable" to even the not-so-technically-advance group of reader - as is evidenced in the way he start off this book by explaining why bother with IP telephony, and why TCP/IP is inherently unsuitable for IP telephony - I suspect that when it come to harder topics like H.323, SIP etc - there is simply no way or no time to find a more reader friendly way to present it. In the end it is a tough read - so tough that I will have to put it aside for a while as you need to be in the highest state or mental agility and strength to make hard yakka through the book. Nevertheless, this book is a useful reference - and for topics that this author decide not to include - check out Cisco's Integrated Voice and Data.

I needed this book for one of my classes and it's an amazing book. I hardly recommended for someone who's study Early Childhood.

IT IS A GOOD BOOK FOR ALL CHILDREN AGE AND HELP OUT TEACHER TO UNDERSTAND THE CHILDREN HAVE BEHVIOR.

really easy book to follow good tips and points for teachers

i find that the book touches on many of the subjects that our professor teaches us, also between chapters they are not too long which makes reading and understanding much better. Being in the teaching field this is a good tool and resource for my classroom.

I was looking for a book to help me face a few challenges in my classroom during my first year of teaching kindergarten and I really enjoyed this book.
It gives helpful background knowledge, current research on best practices and new theories, as well as well-thought-out direct instruction for dealing with challenging behavior in the classroom of young children.