Schools and Instruction Books

"Watercolor School" by Hazel Harrison states on its book jacketthat it is "a practical guide to painting with watercolor." This is an accurate description of this really useful book. It is complete in every aspect, and even for the more experienced watercolorist it can be used as an exceptionally valuable informational source. What more can I say? It's a great book.

I'm a serious beginner and I chose this book for what it offered and then was surprised to notice that it's a Reader's Digest book (sorry, but I guess I'm a bit of a book snob). Well nevermind because it's a terrific book. Hazel Harrison walks you through a huge variety of watercolor techniques. Great lessons and reference.

I would have appreciated specific paint colors and brands with each example/technique, but even without that it's a very valuable resource.

Over the years, I have bought many watercolor books to help me get started painting with watercolor. I wish I had found this one first. It has the basics and more. The techniques and demonstrations are illustrated extremely well. The text is easy to follow, too. In some cases, it even gives two approaches to painting the same subject matter. Good color theory, too. I know I will use this now and into the future.

I am just a beginner, and this books helps me learn the basics, and encourages me to try and get better.

This is an excellent book. I have been painting for many years and
still learned a lot from reading it. In this case I bought it as a
gift because I liked my copy so much.

This is a good source book on firecrackers from China to the world. It was well organized with large pages of colorful photos in rare package labels. The chapters on the origin, evolution and manufacturing of firecrackers were concise and informative. Of significance was the chapter on Chinese celebrations. For more than a millennium, firecrackers have been there from weddings to dragon dances, from funerals to store openings (p.27). For the Chinese, firecracker is a must for festival tradition celebration especially to welcome the Chinese New Year (same as firing guns at New Year Eve).

However, Chinese Christians celebrate Christmas with firecrackers (p.36) is a doubtful assertion as the authors failed to provide where, China or US. The same page said firecracker is celebration and sadness. To Chinese, firecrackers never are associated with sadness. It can mean scare off the evil spirit, negative chi and bad luck.

It is a great book to read and enjoy the colorful labels and package with different themes, ranging from Chinese mythology and folklores to western tradition. The Chinese knows the American market well. The nude angel with wings (p.76) is a case in point; others included are battleship (p.121), Red Devil, thunder cloud, dinosaur, Robinson Crusoe, King Kong, cowboys, Indians, aquatic animals, astrospace and explosives (atomic bombs), bullfight, woman boxers, baseball, football, circus, auto race, military and Dixie boys. The un-named artists were impressive. Labels from Guatemala, Indonesia and India are included as well. Of special meaning were the two package labels related to WW II - four Chinese soldiers with weapons on hand, a firing tank, a Chinese flag and three double decked fighter planes heading East resisting Japanese aggression (p.100); a young Chinese soldier in green uniform, gun at back and bullet case belt with a raised right hand V finger sign, an obvious V- J Victory celebration (p.101).

This book gave good information. However, the authors failed to mention that firecrackers and fireworks, the Chinese invention are intended celebration for prosperity, happiness, luck and peace as well. But once introduced to Europe, they were turned into weapon to wage war against Chinese as recorded in history 150 years ago under the free trade in China's favor excuse.

Next time, when you light up a package for July 4 celebration, think about the excitement and joy this Chinese gift brings.

This book shows great insite into the history of the firecracker and the intricate artwork involved with the packaging of them. The clarity of the illustrations are wonderful, its hard to believe some of the labels are as old as they are. I highly recommend this book to anyone who can remember the excitement of being able to "set off" these firecrackers on the 4th of July, without worrying about breaking the law. Those of you who were not as lucky to experience this thrill, will definitely find this book fun.

My husband was looking for a book on firecrackers and I tried the local book stores, i.e. Barnes and Nobles, Bookmart, Books a Million, but no luck. I browsed the internet and the reviews on firecracker reference materials were few and far between. Finally I came across this book on Amazon and took a chance it would please him.....he's quite picky about his reference library. This soft-cover book is GREAT! It is packed with beautiful, vibrant full color photos of the common labels all the way up to the very rare. The book layout is dotted with photos and the glossary is helpful to even the intermediate collector. The section "Interview with a Collector" gives a nice insightful look into the pursuit of fireworks labels. The history of firecrackers is also discussed, giving the collector a great back-story to the industry. No price guide, but that is fine with my husband, as it tends to date a book after a couple of years. This is an informative addition to the Hubby's library......he's happy and I'm glad.

Excellent beautifully illustrated book well worth the money. The illustrations and layout are extremely well done. This is easy reading that covers some terrtory not well documented anywhere else (Vietnam.) Some historical inaccuracies especially in the history of the manufacture of "Chinese" crackers in the 20th century. Overall an excellent job! Highly reccomended to anyone who has an interest in the subject, or who just likes the imagery of the old labels.

Bright, colorful pages packed with color illustrations and photos chart the art and history of the firecracker, from their construction and advancement to the making of labels and items promoting them. Beautiful drawings pack an illustrated history which invites leisure browsers as much as researchers, and which is very highly recommended for general library collections.

From the day my 5year old daughter got hold of this book and "I can draw animals" she is stuck with these. She completed 4 drawings at one sitting and always wants to do more. The best part is the simple visual instruction that shows the way without any adult supervision. Great book!

I bought this book for my six year old daughter. The book has simple steps for drawing that were easy for my daughter to make. My daughter has gained confidence and feels great when she has to make drawings for her book report. I also enjoy these drawings. We recommend the book.

..but don't know what to draw. It is full of ideas involving people and is easy to follow for children who cannot read.

Hours and hours of fun! My 4 year old daughter and my 4 year old nephew received these for Christmas. They both use these books for hours and we also do it as a family. These (I Can Draw Animals, I Can Draw People, What Shall I Draw Today) are the only ones we have so far, but they are super. Not only are these books teaching my little girl how to draw, but reinforcing time alone drawing, group activity, sharing and "Please pass the yellow", etc... Every child should have these books.

I Can Draw People is an excellent teaching book for young children. It teaches them how to draw in simple steps. It is easy to follow with pictures kids love. This book and series helps children gain confidence in their art skills.

This book is pretty cool. It's like reading an encyclopedia of golf. I highly recommend it. The thing is, it only brings you up to intermediate level. If you want more help in deeper mentality of golf or simply play golf with more precision, read "How I Play Golf" by Tiger Woods.

Here is my suggestion: If you're new to golf but are excited to learn, skip Part 1 and jump to Part 2. Why do I say that? Simple. Part 1 talks about history, rules, golf courses and the "anatomy" of golf. They're good to know, but it can bore you from time to time and plus, it has nothing to do with the basics of golf yet. It's like reading soccer rules and how soccer is played. Knowing that can't improve your techniques. Duno also recommends hiring a professional & practice by going to the driving range. Personal preference: Everyone have their own way of playing golf and no one technique is perfect for everyone. If you read the simple techniques explained in this book, it'll get you a long way. Bottomline here is, save time and money by buying yourself a golfnet and turf and practice in your backyard or anywhere you have room to practice.

Part 2 is the perfect place to start if you want to swing that club! It's all about which clubs to buy, how to get good grips, aim better and understand basic swing fundamentals. It's my favorite part that is also worth reading it over and over again.

If you already know the basic fundamentals of golf such as golf rules and/or swinging a club but want to improve your short game, skip Part 1 & 2 and go on with Part 3. It teaches you how to master putting, chipping, pitching and hitting from the bunker. If that doesn't get your money's worth, go on to Part 4 (Become a Better Golfer) which talks about flaws to avoid, bad lies, hills, bad weather, etc.

Part 5 however is somewhat useless in my opinion. It talks about competing, differences between golf clubs, balls and what to do if you take a golf vacation. It's basically teaching you "what to do with your money once you're already a multi-millionaire." I mean, no-duh, everyone have their own preference how they want to take their golf game further. All in all, this book is worth reading and if you love golf like me, buy it just so you can read and reread it over and over again.

This book provided me with the basics of the game and the use of the tools, rules and other essentials and serves as a reference guide to this time. It is clear and simple and straightforward. It can help any new golfer to get into the game and help any duffer to refine his technique.
I recommend it highly.

I have only recently taken up the great game of golf. This book has been an indispensable aid. It explains all the basics of the game wonderfully, with outstanding illustrations and very clear step-by-step explanations.

Since I bought the book three months ago, I have probably read it at least five times - that many times I have gone back to it as a reference for the latest thing ailing my game. And I am sure that it will continue to assist me as my golf game progresses (hopefully) in the future.

I spent a lot of time at the bookstore comparing the different golf guides. This was by far the best book for the price.

This book is a gem. It is organized in a very practical fashion that allows you to focus on each aspect of the game. The range of topics is wide, going from the elements of the swing, the different shots, and all the way to strategy and conditioning for Golf. The book is written with practical summaries that allow you to keep key points in the foreground and get ready to play.

If you only buy one "how to" golf book, this should be the one.

When I wanted to get started with golf I picked up this book. Easy to understand, with simple instructions and explanations. It also has the clearest overview of the basic rules of the game that I've seen. Even the hardest part of any book on golf, the swing, is covered pretty well - I at least have the intellectual knowlege now to on swinging the club. Great book.

I love this book so much that i just coulnt stop reading it.I even stayed late to just finish it. When i first got it i thought it was going to be all about sex and all but it wasnt and so it got my attention wen i saw it. I love the whole plot and setting and especially Livvie and David. Jenny Davis wrote an awesome book and i think that this book deserve an award in my opinion. Plus Livvie in the beginning is just like me. She in a way reminds me of myself. So i could relate in a way to her. When i read about David dying i just couldnt keep away the tears cuz it was just sad. This is the best book and i think everyone should at least take a chance and read it. They wont be disappointed cuz i aint at all.

I truely loved this book. The title was perfect for grabbing the attention of the reader and the story made me go through several emotions. I cried at the end of the story and I re-read the story until my book fell apart! I tell everyone about it and to read it. Kudos to Jenny Davis and her brilliant characters.

Sex Education was one of the best books i have ever read. Congradulations to Jenny Davis for writing a terrific novel that can touch the heart of anyone.
The main characters are David Kindler, Livvie Sinclair, and Maggie Parker. Livvie is new to her school and she knows no one. David intruduces himself in their Biology class. Their teacher Mrs. Fulton devoted the first semester of the class to sex-ed. The class was assigned projects. Their projects are to care for someone who they don't know. Really care for someone. David and Livvie decide to work together because they feel that their new neighbor Mrs. Maggie Parker could use a little caring for. After all she is pregnant. Livvie and David rush to her house right after school and they will stop at nothing to try and keep Maggie and her baby healthy. The only problem is Maggie's husband, Mr. Parker. He doesn't want anyone medaling around in his or his wife's buisness. Livvie and David go against his will and still go to Maggie's house but leave before the mysterious Mr. Parker arrives home from work. He never was a happy camper. He never greeted them. Not once. Finally, Mrs. Parker had a lovely baby. Thanks to David and Livvie. They completed their assignment.
But while this was all going on, David and Livvie began to fall in love. They shared the best of moments together. They were both very sensitave, loveing, and caring people. Livvie came off as shy at first but grew to be a little outgoing.
I found that this book had a surprise waiting around every corner. But it was the ending that really got me thinking.
In conclusion i would just like to say I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!

I just happened to be browsing through my high school library, and picked out this book because of the tital. It turns out that this book doesn't really have all that much do with sex, but it was a splendid read. I loved this book, I read the whole thing in one sitting because its just one of those books you can't put down. Although I was pretty depressed after finishing it, its still worth it. You can learn a lot of valuable lessons from reading Sex Education, I highly recommend it.

Livvie is the new girl in town when she meets David in her biology class. The topic of the semester is sex education: a concerned teacher's campaign to prevent teen pregnancy, and to help young people make more informed and hopefully safer choices. Through a variety of assignments, she teaches her students not only the facts and statistics about disease and pregnancy prevention, but also how to care for someone in a non-sexual way, and how to express themselves. The teacher's realistic message is "wait as long as you can." The main project of the semester is "to care about another person." David and Livvie choose to work together, befriending Livvie's new neighbor, a frail and timid pregnant woman who seems to desperately need someone to care about her The best part about this book is Davis' sensitive writing. We experience everything through Livvie's naive eyes, especially the growing affection between her and David and the joys of first love. By contrast, the problems in the marriage of the new neighbors reveal themselves bit by bit. The horrifying climax reveals the reason Livvie pens her story from an insane asylum. Readers will feel her shock, grief and anger. The deep empathy with Livvie shows strong characterization, and the plot is much more complex than one would guess from the title. This is a book that made me smile with fond memories of my own first love, and weep for the characters. Sex Education is a must have for any young adult library.

This book by Le Clair is lucid and touches all the important aspects of water color painitng...It is a great instructional book...I wish I had studied this book several decades ago. I am a self-taught artist and this book will help all such self-taught persons

I bought this book when it first came out, and it was a real revealation to me. Water color wasn't really taught in American art schools at the time, and this book was my first guide to the wonderful adventure of watercolor painting. I'm reviewing the newer edition, which has the same great text but has added more full-color illustrations.

The pictures are great, but the text is what makes this book outstanding among the many watercolor books currently on the market. As the title suggests, the text explores and explains the many facets of watercolor as an art form. The illustrations support the text by showing well-chosen examples of the great variety possible with this beautiful and intriguing medium. Many books on watercolor offer lessons in a particular method or painting style, or focus on one style of painting (usually the author's). This one covers diferent ground entirely. Instruction books can be excellent, but if you are ready for more depth, this could be the book you need. It's true there is a typical section on materials and basic techniques, and there are suggested exercises at the end of the chapters. These are fine in themselves, but other books can give you that. What makes this book special is the author's wide knowledge of painting styles, and his careful avoidance of favoritism toward particular styles or artists. If you are ready to read this with an open mind, you may see the merits of painting styles that you thought you didn't like. This certainly was the case for me!


Who would benefit from this book? It would be useful to a complete beginner, if he or she is very disciplined, ready to work, and above all ready to READ a though-provoking non-simplisitic book. Non-painters who admire watercolor and would like to learn more about its history will probably enjoy a browse through the text. But I think it is most helpful to intermediate painters who are beyond the intiial struggle to master the basics of watercolor, and are ready to deepen their understanding of this wonderful art form.

Le Claire has contributed a lot to watercolor painting in this book loaded with illustrations of expressionim,experimentation in the media it inspires to do watercolors ,This is surprisng since it is published by the American Artist (for many years since I have first seen the magazine has published little of advanced watercolor painting) But the book doesn't limit itself to transparent watercolor rules.Such as No embossing no cutting ,no ink,nothing but pure color that maybe started by pencil line.If a painter hasn't advanced from that rule ,then he isn't a painter of the 20th century to my mind.Too often watercolor books are promotions of a watercolorist's technique, many of these artist are hampered by poor formal ability: line ,color,shape, etc.Le claire has some ability so the book has authority. It is a book that is well worth the modest price.

There are two things about this book I think make it a great book for any watercolorist's library. One is the sheer variety of paintings shown and the other is the numerous 'assignments' at the end of each chapter.

As another reviewer stated this book does not show you only one or a few artist's techniques. Rather it covers a broad range of techniques, art styles and artists and shows a diverse array of watercolor paintings. Everything from traditional representational paintings to contemporary and experimental works are shown. And all are used to illustrate that chapter's main point that they appear in. Works from famous artists to current living ones are displayed.

Each chapter ends with exercises designed to let you practice principles, techniques or styles the preceding pages discussed. Now some people don't like or need such 'assignments'. But other people, like me, enjoy them as a challenge and as a way to see that they've not only read the chapter but can practice till they've learned it. If you don't care for such things it's easy to skip over them. But I actually found some of these projects fun to do.

I have a sketchbook of watercolor paper that I use strictly for trying out projects from my various watercolor or other painting books. It is separate from my other sketchbooks or paintings and its sole purpose is strictly to practice, even copy, the demo projects and assignments. Even the greatest art masters learned first by copying the masters before them. There is so much to learn from this book. Not only how to paint in watercolor but also some art history as well. Definitely a recommended buy.

This is one of the best books on watercolor I have read and I have read a bunch. Many watercolor books give demonstrations and descriptions of a limited range of techniques used by that particular author. The authors' focus is primarily on showing you how they painted particular sample paintings. You learn, but mostly how to paint the sample paintings and a little about the author's technique but not much else.

Mr. Le Clair provides the kind of instruction I would expect from a college watercolor class. He covers much more than just the basics but, nevertheless, the book could well serve as an introduction to watercolor. If I had to choose one instructional watercolor book this would be it. The second book I would choose is "The Watorcolorist's Essential Notebook" by Gordon MacKenzie, but it needs to be supplemented with a more basic book.

The occasional case of the mad artist -- gaunt, ragged and living solely in his own creative mind -- has dominated our view of how art is created. In fact, patronage was and is the medium in which most art is created. This beautifully printed book casts a clean scholarly light into this remarkable relationship of artist and patron. While doing so the authors also examine how the demands and desires of daily living and the strains and strengths of personal relationships -- spouses, lovers, friends -- play upon the same chords that the patron touches, for good or ill. All are amply documented by the authors and as with all biography the telling anecdote best reveals the character of the subject. The fact that for decades a fertile art community existed a thousand miles or more from patrons and markets raises the question of whether indeed something special for the art world was going on in Taos. Easily dismissed by many as regional artists in the past, the Taos artists are put in a context by the authors' examination of the skein of relationships stretching to Taos. I would think that the world of art scholarship on that basis alone needs to respond to this well-focused work by examining other colonies, schools and concentrations of artists in the history of our country, for the purpose of finding how those stories of patronage compare. On its face alone the art reproduced in this fascinating book makes the case for the importance of the Taos artists as American artists. But the patronage story raises this question: Why did big city people, living and creating the big story of its time -- industrial, urbanizing America -- choose to support the painters in the desert? It seems to be a paradox. Or is it? We await the next study in depth of artists and their patrons. "Taos Artists and Their Patrons" has set the height of the bar. I hope the authors of this book stay in the game for the next book.

While the literature on American art history has grown enormously during the last several decades, that devoted to patronage remains very scarce, usually directed toward single supporters such as Luman Reed and Mrs. Jack Gardner. Taos Artists and Their Patrons is probably the finest study to appear devoted to a single school of painting, that which arose in Taos in New Mexico at the end of the nineteenth century. The authors have thoroughly investigated all aspects of patronage--exhibitions, individual advocates, institutional support, and many other forms. At the same time, they have presented what must be the finest study of the work of the artists active in Taos, embellished by a wealth of marvellous images, beautifully reporduced. The book enjoys three major accomplishments: it is a definitive study of the nature of American art patronage; it is a thorough review of one of the most important regional schools of art in this country; and it's a fabulous read!

Excellent book showing a great deal of beautiful art from the Taos artists at the beginning of the century. The book does and excellent job of telling the history behind each painting. The book is also very inspirational to artists. I suggest this book to anyone interested in art, anyone who is an artist, or people interested in art history.

In the tradition of excellence demonstrated in his book "Victor Higgins, An American Master", Dean Porter, along with Teresa Ebie and Susan Campbell, has produced another visually and intellectually pleasing work.

Both artists and collectors will learn much by reading this book, for it proves that it is more than technical skill and artistic sensibility that contribute to an artist's financial and critical success.

Those who have instinctively turned to Europe and the Eastern American Artists when wanting to view fine works of art will be enlightened and surprised to learn that some of the finest works of art in this century have been produced not in Europe, but in the USA and in the Southwest in particular.

This is a beautiful and informative book for anyone interested in art, whether they be collectors or art historians or simply those who like to view magnificent works.

Dean Porter and his gifted associates have skillfully authored not only the best book ever written about the "Taos School of Art", but the most interesting and educational. Why is their book different? They departed from the standard biographical information generally available everywhere and continually repeated by other authors in every new book and took the time to bring into focus the collectors and art buyers who made it possible for the artists to make a living at their chosen profession. The many stories, glimpes, and setches of both the artists and collectors make this book most interesting and readable. There are also many new paintings never before shown in other books about this group of artist. There is also a art exhibit that compliments the book. This is a must read and must see for those who love and collect the "Taos School of Art". Like a fine red wine, you wish in your heart you could drink on forever.

I am currently a student enrolled in the ECOT High School and I when I discovered this book I was excited to read it. I quickly bought myself a copy and couldn't put it down!! I think that more ECOT students need to read this book--it will really open your eyes and show you just how much work went into starting this school. ECOT has been wonderful for me because of my medical situation and I think this book made me appreciate it even more. I would definitely recommend it to anyone!!! Please read this book--it is definitely worth it!!

This is a great 'behind the scenes' look at one man's struggle to establish the nation's first public e-school. Sadly enough, many of the struggles the author faced stem from resistance posed by the educational establishment and its drive for self-preservation. While one might glibly assume a profit motive, the book reveals to us how the author's personal experiences drove him to beat the odds and make ECOT a reality. Rather than a money-making scheme, ECOT emerges as a labor of love.

One wonderful feature that maintained my interest was the student case history featured at the beginning of each chapter. These testimonials from successful ECOT graduates paint a wide and varied portrait of today's American students and the challenges they face. From school violence to teen pregnancy, lack of motivation, family illness and the demands of work, we get a firsthand account of the issues these students face and how the availability of publicly funded home e-schooling allowed them to cross the educational finish line.

Being one of the students featured in the book, I was thrilled when I first found out about the book. Upon reading it, I finally realizd how moch sweat and back breaking work went into ECOT. It truely has revolutionized the way that anyone will go to school. I enjoyed the time that I spent there, and can't wait until the day that it appears around the world.

I thought from the get-go, the book was mainly about Mr. Lager's approach to starting a school of this caliber, and I was right. From an idea to reality, this book really details what really went into making ECOT anything but an idea on a drawing board. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the future of schooling as we know it for one reason. It's here, alive and well and ready to go.

Bill Lager has truly changed the way I think about education. No more finger pointing, he has taken responsibility that the traditional education system can't - or won't. I highly recommend this book for anyone who is interested in alternative forms of education for K-12 and for those who don't believe that online education can work. Lager has proven it can, and will - for a long time to come.

This was a great book; I really enjoyed reading it. More than anything, I loved reading the stories about the students whom were apart of the first e-classroom. This book proves a very important lesson; if you work hard and believe fully in what you are working at, anything is possible.

I can't say I'm overly well versed in composition, namely because most books on the subject are so dense. But in Picture This, the author has found easily understandable way to show the basic fundamentals of art.

Rather than teach composition with diagrams drawn over old master paintings like some books, Molly Bang uses simple bits of paper to demonstrate how shape, color and placement can affect the mood of a picture. And once you understand these principles, it's easy to see how they can be applied to more complex artwork.

Bang's pace is very deliberate. Every change to her construction paper compositions is well documented and explained. It's that simplicity and directness that allow her to communicate such a large amount of knowledge in only 96 pages.

And don't let the short page count and the fact that this book is recommended for grade schoolers fool you. This is a book every artist should have her shelf.

Don't be misled by the simple pictures and storybook style into thinking this a just a book for children. I have given this book to several adult friends, including some who are professional artists. We all learned something from Molly Bang's clear and compelling explanations of the principles of visual composition.

I love this book and using it for teaching basic design ideas...a fellow teacher uses it in Psychology! The simple story of Little Red Riding Hood serves as the basis for discussion how line, color, shape, etc. work in art. Such a great idea...wish there were others of this type. I will be using it to teach the elements of art in Art History this fall.

Using the story of Little Red Riding Hood this book is focusing on the basic principles of composing images.

Reduced to the maximum and using simple colors and arrangements of basic elements like circles or triangles, the drawings as well as the short, precise text within this book are pointing out, how simple and complex arrangements within pictures work, transfer obvious (and hidden) messages, how philosophy and psychology witin pictures works. Therefor its a book telling the story why pictures may lie, may influence, may manipulate an observer even though obviously just showing "reality".

Whether you are taking photographs, drawing or designing - this book is a absolute must! A photo/image tells more than thousand words - here you will find the answer how and why. Great to read and watch, easy and fast to understand - even though dealing with a most complex matter.

Finally a personal statement and hint for an esthetes: if you like to possess a book with an outer shape and appearance that promises, what the contents keeps, than you have to buy the nice hard cover version instead of the cheaper soft cover version - it will pay off for sure.

This book is amazing...the illustrations are simple, clear and compelling and the narrative approach to understanding the art elements and principles makes this rather dry topic into a fascinating tale. I have purchased several copies of this book for friends and plan to use it in my middle school art classroom.

When I decided to become a teacher, I knew that I wanted to do things differently. Richard Kent's book gives me the information I need to transform learning in my classroom into dynamic, student-driven exploration. Teachers will tell you it's too hard to run a classroom this way. It's too much work to teach students the skills they need to produce a portfolio. If you have children, you know that it's just too sad to hear them say, "Leonardo daVinci is boring." Something is missing in schools' curriculum and instruction today. We need to make some changes in education, and portfolios appear to be a good solution.

Before I entered Mr. Kents class I was utterly confused and then I read his book and it really opened up my mind to portfolio work and now I feel like I can do anything in his and any other english class. Mr. Kent is the worlds best teacher and a wonderful author!

As a student of Room 109, I have experienced the use of portfolio's as a teaching aid. What a wonderful way to teach your classrooms so that a student can explore and learn on an individual basis. If you walk into Room 109, you experience the magic ad artistry that this idea has brought about. As we come into the 21st century, the views on how we teach must change with the times. Portfolio's are a new, and much needed change to traditional teaching. The book provides a "how to" for starting this type of class.

This book is a must for any educator that is interested in portfolio assessment and individualized student curriculum. Although the focus is on english, all educators can benefit from the examples and ideas that are presented in this enjoyable and easy to read book. Inspiring and informational!

Rich Kent embodies the metaphor "teacher as guide." In this text, he uses example of the richness of student input in something that is so much more than just a "how-to" approach to portfolios and portfolio assessment. I strongly encourage a deep reading of this text to make meaning of the real purpose, process, product of student learning.