Brad Cohen relates what it was like to grow up with Tourette Syndrome during a time when most people weren't familiar with it. He was bullied and mocked by other kids and even his own family was unsure how to act around him. At the time, people didn't understand that he had no control over the tics and twitches that he made. These "disruptions" made school a constant struggle for him and his outbursts frustrated teachers. In middle school, he was given the opportunity to teach his classmates about Tourette Syndrome and realized the power of education. He decided he wanted to become a teacher to provide his students with the encouragement and acceptance he failed to receive from his teachers. I loved this book from the very start! Cohen's passion for teaching is evident and was an inspiration. I would recommend this memoir...especially if you're in the education field.
They made a Hallmark movie about Brad Cohen's life that was phenomenal! It's apart of the Hallmark Hall of Fame and I highly recommend it.
This a tale of a Norwegian immigrant family living in San Francisco at the beginning of the 20th century. The story is centered around "mama" as her character is developed through family anecdotes. It's difficult to describe "mama" to someone who hasn't read the book, but you'll grow to love this resourceful matriarch. She raises her family with love and wisdom and the book is an ode to old-fashioned family values. The book is reminiscent of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn which may be why I enjoyed it so much. It's a quick read and I would recommend it.
If you're a teacher or a future teacher this book is a must read! The premise of this book is to utilize classic children's literature as mentor texts to teach students how to write. In order for students to develop their writing they need to be immersed in children's literature that models the strategies you want them to grasp. Each chapter contains plenty of strategies and ideas on how to implement them. I know that I'll refer to this book many times in the future! I would highly recommend this one to elementary school teachers.
Any book suggestions for August?
5 comments:
ohhh I want to read Mama's bank account! I am always so fascinated by stories of immigrants coming to the US! thanks for sharing girl:)
I definitely be adding Front of the Class to my reading list! Thanks for sharing :)
-Tiff
This is great, I love hearing about books that I may not have ever had the chance to hear about otherwise. I especially want to read the first two. I recently had a guest lecturer come speak to us about how he was a speech path in a school and he also stuttered. I love to hear about people overcoming the odds to do what they were born to do! Thanks for sharing :)
these sound like great resources! ill have to pass them along to teacher friends of mine :)
During the beginning of my undergraduate program, I had to read the book, Teach like your Hair's on Fire by Rafe Esquith. To be honest, I don't really remember it since it a few years ago, but I do recall enjoying it and it is a NY Times best seller!
I still have it and I'd be happy to send it to you if you'd like it!
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