Rediscover The Joy Of Learning

Packed full of ideas, information and techniques for effective education.

Out of Your Wheelhouse dives deep into the learning process in the context of new environments and experiences. How can one succeed when they encounter novel challenges and accelerate the rate at which they do so? The answer to that question constitutes a central theme of this book. Also explored is the underlying philosophy of continuous improvement both personally and professionally.

The authors of this inspirational new book were on a mission. While much has been written about teacher burnout and the day-to-day problems teachers face, little has been written about how teachers who deal with these problems overcome them, and continue to enter the classroom each morning with enthusiasm for their calling. To discover such teachers, the authors interviewed over 70 teachers in communities across the country to find teachers who, in a profession characterized by pressure, stress, and little reward, still find teaching an enjoyable, fulfilling career. The book includes over 150 teacher narratives of their real-life classroom experiences. The narratives provide unique insights into creating a teaching mission, setting up a community of learners, discovering the rewards of diversity, balancing personal and professional time, turning mistakes into excellence, using laughter to create rapport with students, and using discipline to create an atmosphere of trust and cooperation in the classroom. From these inspirational stories emerges a vision of the joys and rewards of working with children and a portrait of the teachers who have made a difference in the lives of their students and a contribution to their community. The quotes, stories, and advice written in the teachers' own words are interwoven with practical suggestions for ideas to make the classroom an inspirational environment for students and teachers alike.

Dr. Gary Chapman has helped millions prepare for marriage. Now he helps you prepare for kids. Things I Wish I’d Known Before We Became Parents has one goal: prepare you to raise young children. Dr. Gary Chapman—longtime relationship expert and author of the #1 New York Times bestseller The 5 Love Languages—teams up with Dr. Shannon Warden—professor of counseling, wife, and mother of three—to give young parents a book that is practical, informed, and enjoyable. Together they share what they wished they had known before having kids. For example: children affect your time, your money, and your marriage—and that's just the beginning. With warmth and humor they offer practical advice on everything from potty training to scheduling, apologizing to your child, and keeping your marriage strong… all the while celebrating the great joy that children bring. From the Preface: "Our desire is to share our own experiences, as well as what we have learned through the years, as we have counseled hundreds of parents. We encourage you to read this book before the baby comes, and then refer to its chapters again as you experience the joys and challenges of rearing children." — Dr. Gary Chapman

For the past decade in the United States, elementary principals have faced increased scrutiny. Student performance regardless of student experiences, district funding practices, or societal factors have been the responsibility of the principal. In a similar fashion, teachers have been ridiculed and scorned. As a result, principals are left trying to create positive school culture, evaluate teacher performance, and guide and support professional development initiatives. In the meantime, teachers in many ways do not see themselves as professionals, do not feel that they have autonomy in their classrooms, and as a result may not have the same joy that they once had. The goal of this guide is to assist principals and school leaders to cultivate a school culture where the principal is positioned as the literacy leader. This guide will support principals to address, define, and create a literacy culture. Most importantly, provide insight to support principals in their quest to becoming primary individual responsible for bringing joy to teaching and learning as part of building school culture.

A Good Little School pays homage to Jefferson County Open School, a public school of choice with a thirty-year history of providing an alternative education for students in K-12. Chronicled in this book are the personal experiences and anecdotes of teachers, parents, and students within the school, and how their contributions make it unique. In so doing, these reflections demonstrate to others that there is more to education than conventional subject areas such as math and reading. Also examined are the ways in which the school preserves the core elements that support the students' best personal, social, and intellectual interests. These self-reflective accounts create a learning environment with humanity at the center, giving students the skills necessary to lead compassionate lives.

How do you motivate a classroom of bored teenagers, self-absorbed tweens, or energetic younger students to learn? In this book, you'll explore what Michael F. Opitz and Michael P. Ford have discovered about planning lessons that engage students and enable them to truly enjoy learning. The authors outline key findings from research on motivation and engagement and offer real-life teaching examples from various grades. They show how to systematically propel students to enjoy using their minds every day—and to view themselves as confident learners ready to take on the challenges of the world. Engaging Minds in the Classroom is a must-read for any educator who understands that developing students' love of learning is the catalyst for achievement at every level. Michael F. Opitz is professor emeritus of reading education at the University of Northern Colorado and is a literacy consultant and coach and author of several publications and reading programs. Michael P. Ford is chair of the Department of Literacy and Language, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh. He is also an experienced Title I reading and 1st grade teacher. Ford is the author of several books and reading publications.

Practical ideas for teaching students the skills they need to really learn This vital teachers' resource answers such questions as "Can intelligence be developed? Do teacher expectations shape student learning? How can I make learning 'stick' for my students?" Drawing from theory and research in learning, this book offers clear, practical guidance along with inspirational ideas to show how teachers can enable students to gain both the cognitive competence and confidence needed to succeed academically. Offers techniques for students to develop their reading, writing, and math abilities Provides suggestions for helping students build perseverance and diligent work habits Helps cultivate students' reasoning skills for problem solving Includes ideas for teachers to improve their students' verbal and written skills The book applies to any and all learners, including special needs students, and is richly illustrated with stories, activities, and examples from across the curricula.