Schools and Instruction Books

I used this texbook in Elementary Reading Methods classes at Illinois State University. I found it to be a practical, reader-friendly textbook that my students enjoyed very much. I especially appreciated the fact that it contained much valuable information about teaching phonics in an integrated way. The phonics content contained in it was very useful.

Dr. Casey's book: "Creating the Early Literacy Classroom" is such an excellent resource that all (future) teachers should have. It is filled with so many unique ideas involving the computer. I personally liked the idea about the family stories. I have yet to do this lesson with my tutees but I am planning to read "The Relatives" Came" by Cynthia Rylant. I will then create a web about my own family to share with my students. Then I will have my students take turns writing a few sentences about their families on the computer. I would then print the stories out and have them draw pictures on it. Then they can share and read aloud their family stories to each other. I could even bind the papers together and make a mini-book and name it "Our Family Stories." I think it would be pretty neat.

I will definitely incorporate the computer into my lessons and give my students the opportunity to experience technology when I begin teaching in an elementary school. Hopefully I will have at least one computer in my future classroom.

This book is outstanding! For years I have used the techniques presented in this book. There is no question about it, the techniques presented here will help your group improve and grow.

I have used this book in Japan with the groups that I work with and every time I do, they always sound better and play better. It is interesting to see how the Japanese conductors use and re-use the material presented.

There are so few outstanding books on this topic that this book truly rises to the top. You can employ the techniques in this book at all levels, early, middle, advanced and pro. After you try it you'll see what I mean. My middle school kids love the challenge and the semi-pro's in Japan I work with love it as well! It is both intellectually stimulating and fun.

Along with this book, I suggest buying the performer copies and video. Take some time to really understand the way Lisk presents the information and then work the techniques into your routine(s). Once you get the hang of it, there are literally hundreds of ways to manipulate the techniques, so find some that help your group the most and don't overplay them - change them around - so as to keep the group moving ahead and growing.

I can't say enough good things about this book and the techniques it offers - I think if you ask any great conductor about them they will all agree - this is indeed a fantastic teaching tool and a great approach to learning!

a very good introduction and simply introduced art from different eras ,what i like about this book its very well organized

Schafer's approach is innovative, sensitive to the multiple demands made on music teachers in the school systems, and wide awake to the genuine creativity that exists in every student. I have used material and ideas from it for years and continue to find inspiration and ideas in its pages. It is a crime that this book has been out of print for so long.

The Creativity Handbook is a clear example of superior writing. The beautiful drawings from young students and descriptions associated with each visual are beatifully exemplified in this book. It is a pleasure to read such a true art resource book. Ms. Boriss-Krimsky understands both the parent and teacher audience, while she brillently describes the inner child through their art pieces.

I have been a teacher for many years and have been searching for a tool like this book for a long time! After pouring over the pages with delight, I feel empowered to be a better teacher. I now have an easy guide that will allow me to clearly communicate to my students my expectations. The aide of this book will enable me to quickly and efffectively draft lessons that set my students up for acheivement. I will now be better able to evaluate my students writing and will be easily able to know if their content is appropriate for their grade level. The wonderful examples set forth by the author give the reader clear ideas of how to make lesson plans more exciting for any student. The personal touch set forth by the author makes the book easy to read and truly leaves one feeling empowered to make their day and their students day exciting and rewarding for all. Thank you for the gift of this wonderful tool.

It's not the book that makes the difference in this set, it's the recording. That said, READ the introductory section! Don't worry about reading the music - even the introduction itself says students are not expected to read music until BOOK FOUR. (If your teacher slips it in earlier, find another teacher. Anything else is not true Suzuki Method. Suzuki Method/Mother Tongue method is an AUDITORY method.) Read the lines, and read between the lines. Remember, Suzuki was oriental - no brow beating here; only much sublety. A point is made once, and you are expected to retain it. Reread every 6 months.

Suzuki saw that music is the one true study of mankind. If you study music thoroughly and completely (!) you will learn about mathematics, art, physics, language, animals, emotions, history, religion, cultures. . . it is music that is the common thread among all peoples of the earth. Music develops sensitivity, expression, self confidence, self discipline, spirituality and all qualities which at their fullest expression turn us from men into Man.

David Cerone performs the Suzuki materials better than any one else. Unlike Suzuki himself, who didn't pick up a violin until he was in his 20s, David learned early and plays that much better than the Suzuki version. He admits he worked harder on these recordings than on any other professional recordings, sweating through perfect performances only to redo and redo and redo trying to create just the right inflection and emotion. He knew that thousands of hopeful young violinists would listen to these songs: working song 50 times a day, polish songs 20 times a day, upcoming song 50 times a day. Day after day after day! And then imitate it. He wanted to give them the best to look up to. He sees children as precious seeds, and gives them only the purest water music for their growth. Don't settle for anything less!

This is the fourth cd we've purchased and they've all been of high quality. Don't hesitate to purchase it for your violinist-in-training!

This is the 3rd CD from the Suzuki series we've purchased. Like
the 1st two CDs, it's good, clear and well played. The piano accompaniment is not overwhelming nor is it too soft. My daughter enjoys listening and playing her violin along with these CDs. It's a good idea to have this to play the new songs so your child can hear the pieces for Book 3 of the Suzuki pieces. She asks for it when we're in the car so that she can listen to it while I drive.