Kids

I stumbled across this book at my local library, and I am so glad that I did! It is by far the best homeschool book I have read. Incredibly encouraging, and motivating as well. I am purchasing this, as I want to read it every year. There are excellent Scripture references at the end of each chapter. If you need a cheerleader as you embark on your homeschool journey... READ THIS BOOK!

Why Bright Kids Get Poor Grades And What You Can Do About It: A Six-Step Program for Parents and Teachers / Dr. Sylvia Rimm

This book is exactly what I needed! I teach 4th grade and needed to work on character skills with my kids. I really felt like a lot of behavior issues came out of a lack of character skills. This book is very comprehensive and easy to use! Right now I only use the journal prompts, but it's been very effective in the classroom!

Educators of any grade level who work in an urban area should read this book. It is an enlightening experience that discusses the tough experiences students deal with everyday (inside and outside of school). If you think you don't need to read this book because you don't teach high school or Latino students, you are wrong. Elementary school experiences set the foundation for the future, and the situations these students face can be applied to all ethnicities. br / br /Nilda Flores-Gonzalez conducted research in a low-income, high dropout rate Chicago public high school. She grouped students into the role identities of school kids (stayers), street kids (leavers), and a mix of both identities (returners). Within each of these categories, she includes detailed descriptions as well as direct dialogue from the students which is very interesting, emotional, and truthful.

This is another book on why our public schools stink. Unlike most other such books, Williams does not care about curriculum, class-size, academic standards or the other stand-bys of the education reform movement. What Williams cares about is power. Our schools stink, not because their curriculum is bad, classes are too big or what-not, says Williams. Our schools stink, because all power in them is held by adults who put their own self-interest ahead of the kids. Williams tries to be even-handed about this.

This book provides a good, practical view of children's education and learning, regardless of where this takes place. The authors prompt readers to think about their values regarding education, along with their history, biases, and goals. They are balanced in not advocating for traditional schooling or homeschooling, while speaking plainly about each. They give examples from families who have chosen each option, or have gone back and forth between the two to meet kids' needs at different ages. So good to read something that is not trying to push a particular program or agenda.