Jump Starters : Quick Classroom Activities That Develop Self-Esteem, Creativity and Cooperation

Rating:
Summary: Great book of activities for the teacher or parent
Review: As a former elementary school teacher, mother of three children, scout leader and very involved parent at home and school I treasure my copy of Jump Starters! The lessons and activities are fun,meaningful and very easy to follow. I purchased a copy for each of my children's teachers as an end of the year gift. They were thrilled! This book truly encourages a child to think positively and to better understand and appreciate themselves and others.

Rating:
Summary: This book promotes important life skills through activities.
Review: I would highly recommend this book for parents or educators. It provides many short creative thematic activities with clear easy directions to follow. These help develop valuable lessons for our children while making the entire learning experience fun. You will always find further resources if needed along with stimulating quotes along the way. Geared for grades 3-6.

Rating:
Summary: Great book of activities for the teacher or parent
Review: McElherne, Linda Nason. Jump Starters: Quick Classroom Activities that Develop Self-Esteem, Creativity, and Cooperation. 176pp. free spirit ISBN 1-57542-050-3 21.95 New issue. (1999). Tons of useful material and inspirational suggestions for the classroom teacher, homeschooling parent, scout leader. . .anyone involved with children will relish the ideas in this book. Energy and creativity stab at you as you read--it's exciting! Ms. McElherne understands children and what they need to thrive. Easy to follow guide in kid friendly language offers tips from engaging kids in writing, to community service, to physical activity, creativity and the Arts. The projects are accessible and fun, and quick. I found them useful beyond the recommended ages of grades 3-6, adaptable for preschooler and junior high alike. Chock full of inspirational quotes and additional resources should you wish to delve deeper into the 52 presented themes and 260 stimulating activities. Beautifully done, enjoyable to read, this treasury can be used in its entirety or picked at to pluck relevant themes for your own situation. Reproducible handouts included. Awonderful addition to your tools. Rating. OUTSTANDING. JHS

Rating:
Summary: Fun!
Review: What a fresh and fun book this is! If you are looking for quick activities (fifteen to twenty minute periods) that will help your elementary students develop self-esteem, a cooperative attitude, life skills, as well as study and problem-solving skills, this is the book for you.

Divided into five sections, each one is filled with themes such as "Setting Goals," "Showing My Art and Soul," and "What's Important to Me." Each of the 52 themes begins with a pithy quote, and then describes five activities, each designed to last approximately fifteen or so minutes. (Although you could certainly extend the activity if you wish.) Included also are "Think About It, Talk About It" discussion starters as well as an affirmations. The author has thoughtfully included resources for students as well as teachers for each theme.

There are five categories of activities: writing, drawing, creative, music and movement, and activities that emphasize reaching out to others. (The various learning styles are well represented here.) The activities are imaginative, clever and easily implemented. Also included are 56 reproducibles. (The book cover has a lay-flat binding so that copying will not be difficult.)

Jump Starters is aptly titled. With a minimum of fuss, you can have your students engaged in meaningful and fun activities each day of the school year. This one is a definite "keeper."