Product Description
1994 - Walker & Co - Paperback - 1st Edition - How to Get Your Teaching Ideas Published - By Jean Stangl - A Writer's Guide to Educational Publishing - New - Never Read - 222 Pages - Writing / Education - Classic - Collectible ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (3)

YOU'VE GOT TO GET THIS BOOK!
WOW! You have got to get this book! I have been teaching ELA for 18 years and have read a plethora of books on teaching writing. What I like most about Ideas That Work is that it contains solid, interesting, practical lessons about teaching writing. It provides blackline masters of lesson components. Some of the most useful lessons is a structured approach to teaching the five-paragraph essay. The book breaks the concepts down into the basic structure in sections, such as writing the introduction and conclusion, organizing the body paragraphs into topic sentences, examples, and details, word choice, grammar and punctuation, and other writing elements. I've been using a scaffolding approach teaching writing. These lessons provide the support I need to accomplish my goals. The midel writings are excellent. The models contain sentence variety, varieties of openers for introductions, and are examples of solid writing skills.

This book is by no means limited to what I have been describing. There are good lessons on a variety of topics including, but not limited to: grading student writing (use the "Look Inside This Book" feature in the book listing here on Amazon), encouraging creativity by using methods such as cartooning, grammar and punctuation, ELA games, speech skills, activities for the different seasons of the year, and following directions.

In short, Ideas That Work is a great book for providing mini-lessons, writing instruction introductions, and the teaching of writing skills. I suggest you get this book!

Another great teacher tool
No matter the age (we are a high school), students like to be silly and some of the plans in this book will allow the students to be learning while having fun...

A Great Way To Stimulate Writing
Write What You See: 99 Photos to Inspire Writing
When the well runs dry, IDEAS THAT WORK can really help teachers find interesting ways to teach English and the language arts. This book is guaranteed to stimulate many positive classroom activities. ... Read more

Product Description
To be, or not to be: that is the question. To be a teacher-performer, or not to be? Authors Timpson and Burgoyne assert that teachers are inherently performers and, as such, techniques from the stage enhance and expand their ready repertoire of discipline-based content.

While teachers are trained planners and scholars, very few are trained performers! Using performance theory, the authors show how an educator can transform ordinary classroom experiences into occasions that attract and engage the students.

In this second edition of Teaching and Performing, the authors expand on the possibilities presented by warm-up exercises, role-playing, integrating props and lighting, blocking skills, focusing energy and concentration, and using a variety of other techniques for good teaching (and good theatre!) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

All the world's a stage,including the classroom
The authors do an excellent job of connecting "performing" to the teaching philosophy of active learning.If you are already sold on active learning, you will find some of their material a bit repetitive.However, the authors' target seems to be people who use a one-way talk or "sage on the stage" style of teaching.For them, this book could be eye-opening, with its call for abandoning the "content provider role" and moving toward more interaction-oriented teaching.

Every chapter contains suggestions for exercises, many requiring physical movement and the cooperation of others.Many chapters also offer checklists for self-assessment, although I question whether untutored instructors will have the self-awareness to make good use of them.

Two things could be improved in the next edition of the book. First, the authors should eliminate the many very positive references & short vignettes concerning their colleagues' teaching.I'm sure most of the people named are exemplary teachers, but the snippets of material are much too short to serve a pedagogical function.Second, for a book by people apparently heavily involved in dramatic arts, there are surprisingly few in-depth lessons on how to take specific learning objectives & apply tips from the stage to achieve them.Many short references are made to popular plays and films, but they don't really add value to the book.

I would certainly recommend that instructors interested in active learning read this book.I'm not sure I would recommend its purchase.I should note, however, that with my purchase I received a bonus: pages 117-148 appeared twice in the book!

Useful for all college instructors
Teachers are performers, by default. Their choice is not whether to perform, but whether to make a conscious choice to do it effectively. "Unfortunately," the authors write (p. 18), "We who teach in higher education rarely receive formal training in the performance aspects of our teaching." Borrowing techniques and insights from the performing arts, the authors provide a variety of tools for correcting that problem. Their book is aimed at college instructors, but much is also appropriate for middle and high school instruction.

Facilitating discussion, engaging students, and creating a dynamic classroom are some of the key goals which the book covers. I found especially helpful the specific examples given, examples reaching far across the disciplines. The many examples of dynamic teaching in nursing, chemistry, biology, and so on, demonstrate that these techniques can and should be used in the sciences and other fields as well.

Among much else, the authors discuss nonverbal cues, audience awareness techniques, roles the instructor can play, and suggestions for breaking through normal routines. Still, the book as a whole is not as much method as it is theory. For example, I came away with a better understanding of why and when I should consider using role plays than how to actually do it. I would have liked to see some discussion of the actual dynamics, such as Bill Bigelow outlines in the book "Rethinking Our Classrooms: Teaching for Equity and Justice."

Along the same lines, the specific examples given are usually summarized in a sentence or two. I wanted more: more details, more discussion of how those examples worked and why. The authors suggest, for instance, using role plays to talk through tough situations like a student dominating discussion (p. 145). But I'd think most instructors wouldn't have the time or the self-confidence to actually carry that out. A short case study taking me through an implementation of that strategy might have changed my mind.

Nonetheless, the book's suggestions are quite helpful (though at times repetitive) and turn the reader's attention to critical aspects of the teaching process most teachers rarely consider. Though it's uneven, I recommend the book to all instructors; you will find something in here which will improve your teaching. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Books, Lessons, Ideas for Teaching the Six Traits Writing at Middle and High School
This is a great resource to use for teaching writing.The organization of the book is divided into the six traits with suggestions of various books and ideas to use with those books.As a teacher, I will use some of the ideas with my favorites.It has some new ways of looking at books to teach writing.There is even some non-fiction book suggestions included with ideas for writing.Content writing is becoming more exact and it is often hard to find a resource that will help me teach that type of writing.

Disappointing...it's a listing of resources.
Judging from the title, I expected more lessons and ideas than book lists...but that is mostly what it is.I could get a book listing from a variety of sources...workshops, online, websites, etc.But [money] for a list of books...I should have looked this one up in a bookstore/college library before I bought it.
Disappointed ... Read more

Product Description
Tap into hidden creativity, engage students in the learning process, and foster creative thinking and expression with innovative techniques based on Downing's research and experience. Some 75 activities that allow users to practice skills as they acquire them are accompanied by dozens of sample lessons and numerous tips for getting started and avoiding pitfalls. Imaginary excursions, choice mapping, Socratic seminars, storytelling, question stringing, scripted interviews, ensemble reading-and more-any educator can use these techniques. Grades K-12. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A much needed book!
This is a landmark book that gives teachers the tools to think outside the box.By making teaching more interesting to teachers, these techniques also make classes more interesting to students.

Greater creativity in the classroom is the key to enriching our educational system and improving scores.

This book should be required reading not only for all teachers, but for home-schooling parents as well. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very happy!
I am very happy with this purchase.The book arrived in a timely manner and in brand new condition as stated in the description.I will certianly buy from this seller again.

Great product!
The product was just as expected.It was in great shape!It also came in a very timely manner!

Books, Lessons, Ideas for Teaching the Six Traits: Writing i
This book is a collection of book titles suggested to teach each Writing Trait.The book is arranged by Writing Trait.It gives a short synopsis of a book, a suggested extension for using the particular book in order to teach a particular writing trait, and a suggested level of student with which to use the book.This book is reader friendly and a must-have for any teacher that teaches students the 6+1 Writing Traits. ... Read more

Product Description
100 Ideas for Teaching Physical Development is the winner of a 2009 Practical Pre-School Gold Award! The book is packed with 100 inspirational ideas on teaching physical development in the Early Years, ranging from ways to provide child-initiated learning opportunities to enriching physical development with ICT. Using his wealth of experience, the author has produced a fantastic selection of ideas to enhance and facilitate learning. Practical and innovative, this book is an ideal companion for all practitioners working in an Early Years setting. ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of parables and teaching stories from the martial arts traditions of Japan and China that emphasizes their spiritual foundation.

* The teaching stories in this book are based on the lives of martial arts masters and are meant to inspire questions and insights for the student.

* Written for martial artists and anyone interested in Eastern religions such as Buddhism, Zen, and Taoism.

True martial arts should never be confused with simple combat techniques. Rather, martial arts are a way that an individual, after a long and difficult apprenticeship, can gain a profound understanding of the true nature of reality and one's place in it. Over time the apprentice discovers the laws governing the subtle forces of life and realizes that their mastery is only possible after one has mastered oneself. "He who has mastered the Art doesn't use his sword: he compels his adversary to kill himself." This quote from renowned sword master Tajima no Kami perfectly expresses the paradoxical nature of martial arts teachings in China and Japan. These teaching stories are not moral fables; in fact they have nothing to prove. Their purpose is actually to inspire questions and insights that will aid the student to achieve self-realization.

Most of the stories in this book are based on actual events in the lives of martial arts teachers who have achieved legendary status. The almost superhuman abilities of some of the masters described here are evidence of the secret powers that can be wielded by those whose martial arts training is not simply the learning of physical techniques but involves the mastering of the subtle energies of the mind and body. Master of the Art of Archery Kenzo Awa could hit the center of a target even when shooting in total darkness. Assailants of Tai Chi master Yang Lu Chan found their blows did more damage to themselves than to their would-be victim. By reading--and comprehending--the tales in this book, we can acquire the same essential knowledge that these masters had--that extraordinary forces are within the grasp of those who have achieved inner peace and self-mastery.Amazon.com Review
Even though it is now a cliché to say that learning a martial art is as much about learning to conquer oneself as it is about learning to conquer theenemy, most martial-arts books are still about the latter. Pascal Fauliot lends a refreshing voice to the field by excavating some of the great educative tales from the martial arts traditions of China and Japan. Not exactly moral tales, these stories exemplify the ideals of excellence in the martial arts, and are as entertaining as a feature film. Some of the scenarios you might expect: the master who is bushwhacked but comes out unscathed, or the master who sets his student to mundane tasks rather than fighting techniques. Others will surprise: the master who shatters an enormous piece of bamboo without touching it, or the bully who thrashes a little old man only to find himself bedridden the next day. Purportedly all true, these are inspirational stories about learning persistence, self-mastery, flexibility, concentration, and harnessing theinvisible power of chi. They are also lighthearted, and retold with an expert touch that the master of any art would appreciate. --Brian Bruya ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

good book
For any one who likes the the stories on the martial arts and the teaching parables will enjoy this book, I know i did.

Neat book, compelling and thoughtful
This set of vignettes is not only fun to read but it really does make you think. Fast paced, clear writing in a style that is reminiscent of Dave Lowry. You don't have to be a martial artist to enjoy it though you will probably get more out of it if you are.

Lawrence Kane
Author of Surviving Armed Assaults, The Way of Kata, and Martial Arts Instruction

Tales to remember and recycle
This is just another book you should read on your Journey.Also recomended: Zen in the Martial Arts, by Joe Hyams.

Please do yourself and the world a favor and expand you mind and soul. Read books such as this, books on spirituality, religion, philosophy, science, art, Toaism, and anything that stimulates your brain!!Read Salinger, Vonnegut, Jim Harrison, Cormac McCarthy, Watch great movies like Sling Blade, Miller's Crossing, of Pulp Fiction.FLEX YOUR HEAD !!!!!!!!!!

Taste of the inner meaning of martial arts
This small book leaves me begging for more. It relates tales teaching the inner meaning of the martial arts. It is divided into the following sections. 1. The message of the stories. 2. On the threshold of the mystery. 3. Confronting the mountain. 4. The snare of appearences. 5. The great test. 6. Lessons of the Zen masters. 7. Winning without fighting. 8. The ultimate secret. For those who are interested in the martial arts as a path for self development and realisation rather than just as a 'grab em and bash em' exercise in futility, this book will be a treasure for you. The martial arts have traditionally passed on its ethos and morality through tales such as these.

Many of these tales were already familiar to me as our Sensei recounts some at each training session, more or less. The book only has one major drawback, there isnt enough of it. It left me wanting more. ... Read more

Product Description
This title offers one hundred practical and inspiring ideas for use in the education setting. This book will be essential reading for any teacher involved with children's development in the primary school. Focusing on literacy, the author provides one hundred practical and inspiring ideas for use in the education setting. "The Continuum One Hundreds" series offers 100 invaluable and practical ideas for teachers of all levels. ... Read more

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Idea development is a concrete skill that can be taught in a systematic way, and this step-by-step guide provides educators in all content areas with the tools they need to help students think more critically and write with more fully developed ideas.

Hatton and Ladd, instructors with the esteemed Kentucky Writing Program, offer reading-writing-thinking sequences that successful writers use when developing ideas. Most important, the strategies and tactics offered are designed to work in the current highly rigorous, standards-based school environment, providing results that are both successful and measurable. This lively resource is chock-full of ideas that teachers in intermediate, middle, or secondary schools can implement immediately.

Product Description
The second edition of this book offers new and up to date ideas ranging from understanding basic grammar and punctuation to studying plays, poetry and core text. This second edition will be 20 per cent bigger than the original and will contain ideas which have all been tried and tested at the chalk face. ... Read more

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How often do you hear your pupils cry 'what can I write about?'

1001 Brilliant Writing Ideas offers teachers endless ideas and inventive suggestions, opening up new opportunities for creative writing lessons. With over 1000 different ‘story-starters’ across a vast range of genres and narrative styles, this versatile book provides food for thought for pupils of a wide range of ages and abilities.

This highly practical and richly illustrated photocopiable resource

• Addresses the ‘blank mind’ dilemma, offering pupils a plethora of story-writing ideas and suggestions
• Enables teachers to inspire pupils who struggle with creative writing
• Provides prompts to set ideas into motion, whilst leaving plenty of scope for original and creative thought
• Challenges pupils, encouraging them to use higher level thinking skills
• Offers mix and match stimulus pieces which can be used independently or put together to give pupils more or less support as required

Any teacher whose inventiveness is flagging, and whose pupils are running out of ideas, will find this an essential classroom resource.