Category: Book Reviews

School Reform in Your Own Classroom

In What Schools Don’t Teach, the authors provide strategies to make reasonable changes within our own classrooms that will help students grow the skills, attitudes and characteristics they need to be successful in a changing world, says Laura Von Staden.

Beyond “Unpacking” the Math Common Core

Common Core Sense: Tapping the Power of the Mathematical Practices supports the incorporation & implementation of the Mathematical Practices into daily teaching. It features real teachers, real examples, and real student reflections, says reviewer Linda Biondi.

Exploding the Reading to Increase Comprehension

Teachers in K-12 will find lots to use among David W. Booth’s strategies for increasing comprehension. Based in his research, Booth’s focus is on 10 modes for understanding texts. His lessons incorporating the arts are particularly helpful, says ELA teacher Julia K. Colombo.

Vocabulary Lessons to Boost Comprehension

Novice and veteran teachers who are looking for real text for students to read to build vocabulary and understanding will find fully developed, brief daily lessons in Laura Robb’s book. Reviewer Cindi Syverson also recommends the quality online resources.

A How-to Book on Social Emotional Learning

Helping students build intrinsic motivation is at the center of Larry Ferlazzo’s Building a Community of Self-Motivated Learners, says reviewer Joanne Bell. The book “is peppered with tons of helpful websites, references and technology ideas that I can’t wait to use.”

Intrinsic Motivation Helps Learners Thrive

Helping students build intrinsic motivation is at the center of Larry Ferlazzo’s Building a Community of Self-Motivated Learners, says reviewer Laura Von Staden. Topics include classroom management, sparking interest in ELA, transfer of skills, and healthy lifestyle.

Get Elbow Deep in Maker Learning Fun

In The Invent to Learn Guide to Fun Josh Burker situates the Constructivist theories of active learning within the playful exploration and creation of the Maker’s Movement while also providing detailed guides for intriguing projects, says reviewer Kevin Hodgson.

Get Kids Thinking with Talks about Math

Educator Jennifer Underwood reports Making Number Talks Matter is an excellent read for all math teachers. The book explains both how to do math talks and why these talks are an important means of helping all students become confident mathematical thinkers.

A Quick Look at G&T Teaching Strategies

The authors of Proven Strategies That Work attempt to provide solutions to complex issues of teaching gifted children in about four pages each, including forms, says reviewer Lisa Penrod. Some tips are helpful but suggested strategies need more development.

Make the Shift to 1:1 Teaching & Learning

In Power Up, Diana Neebe and Jen Roberts offer a 1:1 teaching framework that will guide teachers from the implementation process to a technology-rich learning environment. The online companion PD resources are extensive, says reviewer Sandy Wisneski.