greatexpectations77's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
This is definitely written for principals and teachers and not for me, which is totally fine, but I was right that it gave me some information about child development and the effects of poverty. This would be really useful for folks who teach or are around children a lot.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness
courtneyleeeann114's review against another edition
5.0
What an amazing perspective. Required reading for grad school, but wow. So useful in practice.
smiley7245's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
3.0
It has taken me literal years to read this book. Part of that is because I started this book when I had switched schools, and then got busy with figuring out the flow of the new school. Then I started and finished my masters program. And some of it was because I just needed a break from the real world and things I deal with on the daily and only wanted to read fiction. However, despite the fact that by the time I actually finished reading this book it was no longer within the time frame of being an accurate or up to date source (14 years), it still had some good stuff in it. The focus on building relationships with your students, providing them with a safe and consistent environment with known expectations is imperative to their success.
professorhelmkenreads's review against another edition
4.0
I found this book really informative. I plan on referencing it as I go further into my education and eventually in my career as a teacher.
booknerd_therapist's review against another edition
5.0
This book is AWESOME!
This is my second year teaching at a Title I school. (I also am active in serving the homeless community, and am a huge social activist when it comes to the rights of the impoverished.) I so wish everyone, everywhere, would be required to read even just the first couple of chapters of this book. The neuroscience involved is absolutely amazing -- there is a detailed, in-depth analysis of the effects of poverty on the brain beginning from the time of conception until when children enter school, and why they are already developmentally delayed before ever setting foot in the classroom.
There is also a multitude of tips and strategies for dealing with tough kids that are research-based and easy to understand. I read this book over the course of a 4-week Title I training and have started implementing some of the strategies, and am already seeing some subtle changes. I know it takes time, and I also know not to give up. I expect to see more gradual changes as time goes on.
I wish this book would be required reading for every fool politician that makes detrimental changes to our already unfair school system. Teachers AND students need to be empowered if we are to see real change any time soon.
5 stars for Mr. Jensen -- I can't wait to read more from him!
This is my second year teaching at a Title I school. (I also am active in serving the homeless community, and am a huge social activist when it comes to the rights of the impoverished.) I so wish everyone, everywhere, would be required to read even just the first couple of chapters of this book. The neuroscience involved is absolutely amazing -- there is a detailed, in-depth analysis of the effects of poverty on the brain beginning from the time of conception until when children enter school, and why they are already developmentally delayed before ever setting foot in the classroom.
There is also a multitude of tips and strategies for dealing with tough kids that are research-based and easy to understand. I read this book over the course of a 4-week Title I training and have started implementing some of the strategies, and am already seeing some subtle changes. I know it takes time, and I also know not to give up. I expect to see more gradual changes as time goes on.
I wish this book would be required reading for every fool politician that makes detrimental changes to our already unfair school system. Teachers AND students need to be empowered if we are to see real change any time soon.
5 stars for Mr. Jensen -- I can't wait to read more from him!
aprater's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent ideas for better addressing low SES students but also gives good insight into middle and upper class students. This book is geared to administrators without leaving out teaching aspects. I definitely appreciate the research references and compilation of studies along with well-written observations and ideas for supporting students from multiple angles. This book makes me excited to return to school in the fall.
sarahkam's review against another edition
2.0
Not as useful as I was hoping it would be. It reads like a graduate student summarizing dozens of case studies about research that most readers of the book are probably already aware of. Plus, very very dry. Just summary after summary of case studies or research papers. With the occasional graph thrown in.
I did get a few good ideas for connecting with my students, but for the most part, I didn't learn much new.
Quite honestly, the most useful part was the last chapter which outlines a mock lesson and shows how a (I'm assuming fictional) teacher employs specific strategies in his classroom based on the research.
I'd probably have gotten a lot more out of the book, if it had been about 50% research, 50% actual strategies to employ, rather than 90% research, 10% strategies.
I did get a few good ideas for connecting with my students, but for the most part, I didn't learn much new.
Quite honestly, the most useful part was the last chapter which outlines a mock lesson and shows how a (I'm assuming fictional) teacher employs specific strategies in his classroom based on the research.
I'd probably have gotten a lot more out of the book, if it had been about 50% research, 50% actual strategies to employ, rather than 90% research, 10% strategies.
meramsey23's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic book that breaks down the science behind our brains and learning. Love reading anything by Eric Jensen! Looking forward to reading the follow-up to this book!