The English Language Arts Handbook: Classroom Strategies for Teachers

Rating:
Summary: Wish there were negative stars...
Review: I had to read this book for my English methods course and was sorely disappointed- for my last textbook before stepping into a classroom on my own, I had hoped for a book that would give me practical advice for a productive English classroom. Instead I found a continuation of what I'd been reading all along- warm-fuzzy, idealistic, completely impractical ideas for a classroom. There are lots of practical tips, but only for classrooms that "meet students where they are" at the expense of course content, challenging students intellectually, and making them think of anyone except themselves. These teaching strategies only encourage students to be complacent and lazy, and reinforce their (wrong) belief that the world revolves around them. Trust me- it hasn't been THAT long since I was in high school...you may think this feel-good approach is creating a positive atmosphere, but really your students are probably laughing at the way they can abuse this "student-centered" system. Please, please, don't use these strategies in a real classroom and ESPECIALLY, stop teaching this to methods classes!

Rating:
Summary: English teachers, buy this book!
Review: I use this excellent little handbook in my methods class at the local university. Inside are hundreds of well-conceived ideas for the English teacher, young or seasoned. As important, though, are sections on professional conduct, which associations are worth joining, and how to approach speech-making, debates, testing, and other issues related to being a career educator. It's a wonderful source book for any teacher who wishes to improve her practice.

Rating:
Summary: The Best
Review: This book is a necessity for teachers who want great ideas on how to get their students interested. There are strategies for getting resistant students into the mainstrean and functioning. It gives the teacher a guide with steps to do a successful job.

It is easy to read and apply to the classroom. It also gives good ideas about dealing with the multi-cultural classroom that most teachers deal with today. I was assigned the book in a college class and would not part with it.