Reading Classes

Discussions of class make many Americans uncomfortable. This accessible book makes class visible in everyday life. Solely identifying political and economic inequalities between classes offers an incomplete picture of class dynamics in America, and may not connect with people's lived experiences. In Reading Classes, Barbara Jensen explores the anguish caused by class in our society, identifying classism—or anti–working class prejudice—as a central factor in the reproduction of inequality in America. Giving voice to the experiences and inner lives of working-class people, Jensen—a community and counseling psychologist—provides an in-depth, psychologically informed examination of how class in America is created and re-created through culture, with an emphasis on how working- and middle-class cultures differ and conflict. This book is unique in its claim that working-class cultures have positive qualities that serve to keep members within them, and that can haunt those who leave them behind. Through both autobiographical reflections on her dual citizenship in the working class and middle class and the life stories of students, clients, and relatives, Jensen brings into focus the clash between the realities of working-class life and middle-class expectations for working-class people. Focusing on education, she finds that at every point in their personal development and educational history, working-class children are misunderstood, ignored, or disrespected by middle-class teachers and administrators. Education, while often hailed as a way to "cross classes," brings with it its own set of conflicts and internal struggles. These problems can lead to a divided self, resulting in alienation and suffering for the upwardly mobile student. Jensen suggests how to increase awareness of the value of working-class cultures to a truly inclusive American society at personal, professional, and societal levels.

Candles, as instruments of illumination with esoteric and ritual sense, have returned in recent years to reclaim the leading role they once had. Lighting a candle is a ritual, where traditions that speak of spell and spells are combined, from the tenderness of an evening by candlelight, through a simple bath under the relaxing effect of the special light of a few candles. The flames of candles radiate mystical powers and, for centuries, sorcerers, seers and fortune tellers have used them as space-creating instruments appropriate for their spells or to make predictions. The Tarot is an ancient practice, a path by which we begin understanding towards oneself, towards our sacred interior. The Tarot is an oracle, a means, by which, in some way, and through its drawings and colors, we stimulate our psychic sphere, the deepest part that goes beyond the rational. When we move the cards, a secret and powerful mechanism is put into operation, to open doors and means that connect us to the Universe. The Tarot is full of secrets, wonderful and powerful symbolisms that go beyond a great pictorial work. The magic, clairvoyance, or however you want to define it in you, will awaken little by little, as you practice and enter the intimate world of each card.

Discussions of class make many Americans uncomfortable. This accessible book makes class visible in everyday life. Solely identifying political and economic inequalities between classes offers an incomplete picture of class dynamics in America, and may not connect with people's lived experiences. In Reading Classes, Barbara Jensen explores the anguish caused by class in our society, identifying classism-or anti-working class prejudice-as a central factor in the reproduction of inequality in America. Giving voice to the experiences and inner lives of working-class people, Jensen-a community and counseling psychologist-provides an in-depth, psychologically informed examination of how class in America is created and re-created through culture, with an emphasis on how working- and middle-class cultures differ and conflict. This book is unique in its claim that working-class cultures have positive qualities that serve to keep members within them, and that can haunt those who leave them behind. Through both autobiographical reflections on her dual citizenship in the working class and middle class and the life stories of students, clients, and relatives, Jensen brings into focus the clash between the realities of working-class life and middle-class expectations for working-class people. Focusing on education, she finds that at every point in their personal development and educational history, working-class children are misunderstood, ignored, or disrespected by middle-class teachers and administrators. Education, while often hailed as a way to "cross classes," brings with it its own set of conflicts and internal struggles. These problems can lead to a divided self, resulting in alienation and suffering for the upwardly mobile student. Jensen suggests how to increase awareness of the value of working-class cultures to a truly inclusive American society at personal, professional, and societal levels.

Reading for Training Classes by Rose M. Libby: Enhance your training and educational programs with "Reading for Training Classes" by Rose M. Libby. This instructional guide provides valuable insights and strategies for selecting and using reading materials effectively in training and educational settings. Key Aspects of the Book "Reading for Training Classes": Training Materials: Libby covers the selection and use of reading materials in training programs, including textbooks, articles, and digital resources. Instructional Strategies: The book offers practical strategies for integrating reading assignments into training classes and enhancing the learning experience. Educational Impact: "Reading for Training Classes" explores the role of reading in knowledge acquisition and skill development in training and educational contexts. Rose M. Libby was an educator and author known for her work in curriculum development and instructional design. Her book reflects her expertise in improving the effectiveness of training programs.

This book focuses on the tensions that emerge in teaching the English language arts methods course within teacher education programs. The book features chapters that grapple with the historical legacies of influence on methods/pedagogy as well as contemporary challenges in teaching methods courses alongside field experiences. Multiple perspectives from those involved in teaching methods courses within English language arts teacher education programs are presented as a way to dialogue about current and future challenges. Dialogue is sustained throughout the book, as each chapter includes an adjacent response that prompts readers to ask further questions about the chapter’s content. Content with the chapters in the book focus on describing a “tension” or “dilemma” that the author faced when teaching the middle/secondary ELA methods course or adjacent field experience. Discussion in the chapters’ responses highlights the importance of the field’s history and its present response to the tension featured. This book will be a useful resource to teacher educators who wish to investigate new approaches to dilemmas faced in teaching the methods class to pre-service teachers.