Reviews (18)

ONE OF THE BEST EDUCATIONAL BOOKS I HAVE EVER READ
This is a totally fantastic book.It is written so well and in a down to earth fashion that I couldn't put it down.It was as easy to read as my favorite novel.Most importantly, however, it clearly explained how the best learning takes place.The strategies in this book hit every facet of learning as described by American Psychiatry.Put a study of this book together with a study of how our memory works, and you can't help but understand better how to teach, as well as clearly understand why other strategies have only limited success.This is a book that will stay on my desk and be read and studied over and over again.My thanks to the authors.

I love this book!
I've had this book on my shelf for 4 years and have decided to use this book, along with Reading Strategies that work by Laura Robb to enhance my reader's workshop with my third graders. You have to own this book because it gives great teaching tips on how to teach comprehension. My favorite part are the lists at the back of the book which have book to help teach a strategy and ideas on how to teach response (discussion, writing, etc)using each strategy.

Great Practical Resource
This book provides lesson plans to use with specific trade books to model comprehension strategies with your students. The authors are staff developers who model the gradual release of responsibility format with students of different grade levels. I definately recommend the appendix which sorts books by topic and strategy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Children    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Elementary    5. Reading (Elementary)    6. Reading comprehension    7. Study and teaching (Elementary    8. Study and teaching (Elementary)    9. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading    10. Thought and thinking   

Reviews (9)

Very useful
I needed to order this book for a class. It is well written and easy to read. As a reading teacher I can say that I will keep this book as a reference long after the class has ended. This edition comes with a CD (or DVD) which I have not previewed yet, but the instructor of my class raves about it.

The best reading methods textbook I've found
I teach a course in elementary reading methods for undergraduate education students.This is the third textbook I've tried, and it is excellent! It has what students need to know about the theory and practice of teaching reading, written in a very readable, non-overwhelming way.Plus it has lots of practical teaching ideas.Our lab school saw it and ordered several copies for its teachers also.I highly recommend it.

A must have!!
I was first introduced to this book in one of my graduate literacy courses and I have been hooked every since.The teachers at my school pass it around constantly looking for ideas. My favorite aspect of this book is the fact that there are real teachers giving real examples of what works in their classrooms.There are no strategies that seem too hard implement in your classroom, because the layout is right there!!You know it can be done and it words because the examples in the book are proof!You don't feel like you are reading about some ideal or Utopia of a classroom. You are reading about REAL classrooms. I absolutely love it! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education / Teaching    2. Elementary    3. Language    4. Language Arts & Disciplines    5. Language arts (Elementary)    6. Literacy    7. Literature    8. Reading (Elementary)    9. Study and teaching (Elementary    10. Study and teaching (Elementary)    11. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading    12. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / Reading    13. English    14. English (ie as school subject)    15. Teaching of a specific subject   

Reviews (4)

Showed me how to teach writing
I have taught 2nd grade for 5 years.The first three years my district did not have a "set" writing curriculum.We used 6-traits, but the structured limits of that way of thinking did not help make me a good writing teacher.Those three years I tried my best to teach writing with the limited experience of writing myself.Two years ago we addapted the Lucy Calkins series.These books have changed the way I see writing and how I teach it.
Lucy Calkins
These books are excellent guides for both old and new teachers.They guide you through each genre of writing.They include lessons in their entirety and scripts, as well.

Units of Study for Primary Writing : A Yearlong Curriculum
This will be incredibly helpful for my 1st graders in CO!I recommend this highly.The layout is user-friendly and the commentary helps you feel like you have mentor teacher in the room with you while you plan lessons!
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Subjects:  1. Curricula    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Elementary    5. Professional Development    6. Teaching Methods & Materials - Language Arts   

Reviews (2)

A history of the IB, its increasing introduction in American school systems, and how it makes a difference
Jay Mathews & Ian Hill's Supertest: How The International Baccalaureate Can Strengthen Our Schools deftly assesses the statistics about the Baccalaureate, including its impact on student chances for success in college and life. Chapters provide a history of the IB, its increasing introduction in American school systems, and how it makes a difference in the transition to college. Sounds like dry reading: but the concurrent story of one American high school that adopted the IB adds a personal flavor and human interest touch to the statistics and discussions.

Your kids deserve IB - learn what it is and why from Jay
"Washington Post" reporter Jay Mathews extends his appreciation of challenge in our high schools by identifying the grandest and most challenging of them all:the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.Jay created "Newsweek" magazine's Challenge Index, and his writing is always approachable and easy to follow.This book maintains that special style.He writes here very specifically about a local DC-area high school and its experiences with beginning and maintaining the rigorous IB curriculum.You come to really care about the students and teachers he profiles, and to share their trials and successes and occasional failures with them.The book features an extremely effective method of integrating chapters about the creation and operation of the IB program as a whole - written by a co-author from the IB Organization - with chapters about Fairfax County, VA's Mount Vernon High School and the people involved with getting IB up and running there.And of the battles in Fairfax County and elsewhere about IB and its rival, the Advanced Placement (AP) program.In my mind there is no contest - IB is far and away the better program, especially for exposing kids to what college will be like.And there is no better predictor of success in college (i.e., graduating) than having taken at least one rigorous course in high school, especially one from IB which teaches how to think and plan and lean.But read Jay's book and decide for yourself.He does an excellent job of iterating the AP proponents concerns about IB, some legitimate - most not, and of exposing as fools or frauds a few of the opponents and their methods for keeping this excellent program out of their schools.They won, but did their kids a real disservice with their victory.
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Subjects:  1. Aptitude Testing    2. Curricula    3. Education    4. Education / Teaching    5. History - General History    6. Secondary    7. Testing & Measurement    8. World - General    9. Examinations & assessment    10. History / World   

Reviews (13)

Great ideas for assessing writing
I really enjoyed reading this book and I am excited about starting to use this method when school starts again. Teaching writing can be difficult, but how to give constructive feedback is even harder. I am optimistic that the ideas in this book will make it a whole lot easier to help my children.

invaluable
I looked at many writing books for my child. A school teacher recommended this one to me. After we used it as the primary writing guide, my child's writing took off. It's so effective that his writing has jumped from average to outstanding in his class. Now the book is one of our two MUST-DOs every week (the other is Beestar online ELA and vocabulary exercises, a wonderful web site www.beestar.org). Writing is a life-long skill. We will continue use this guide to improve writing for a long time.

6+ 1Writing from a teacher's viewpoint
My students' writing skills improved as soon as I started using 6 + 1 Traits. Besides being very readable, the book is packed with information, ideas, and rubrics for both teacher and student use.Just what a "harried writing teacher' needs when preparing students for a 'high stakes' writing test. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Composition and exercises    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Elementary    5. English language    6. Language arts (Elementary)    7. Study and teaching    8. Study and teaching (Elementary)    9. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    10. Teaching Methods & Materials - Language Arts    11. Education / General   

Reviews (25)

Excellent Strategies!
I love this book!I have used it for several years in an elementary classroom and have had the pleasure of seeing her in a workshop. She is fantastic!Her ideas are clear, easy to use and very effective.I highly recommend this for teachers and parents.

Great resource for primary teachers
This is a great resource if you want to know how to teach comprehension in grades K-2.As a former teacher of upper grades, I found it very helpful in understanding how the younger children learn.

An easily read and practical read
This is a book that makes the reading process very practical and seemingly manageable for someone interested in providing a program for emerging and transitional readers. Its straight forward and practical. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Elementary    4. General    5. Language Experience Approach    6. Reading (Primary)    7. Reading comprehension    8. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading   

Reviews (14)

Excellent Teacher's Reference Book
A great book to help set up your class for "reading stations".
A 1st Grade Teacher'sOpinion
This book is very useful in setting up my Guided Reading program.It was one of the best books that I purchased for this program.It is geared more toward the actually usage of materials than to simply theory.I needed suggestions for actual activities rather simply theory.I would recommend this book to any teacher that is starting a Guided Reading program.

Great ideas!
This book offers many great ideas that balance student-initiated activites and teacher-initiated activites.The activities also incorporate all aspects of literacy. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Activity programs    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Education, Elementary    5. Elementary    6. Language arts (Elementary)    7. Teaching Methods & Materials - Library Skills   

Reviews (8)

Great for Elementary and Middle School Teachers
This book gives insights and helpful hints to teachers about math strategies that can be integrated into the math curriculum.

Not too helpful!
This book is not really helpful for teachers in methods classes. I was not impressed with the lay out, or the accessibility to information. I consider this book a waste of my money!

Thorough, progressive math for elem. teachers
This book contains multiple solid strategies for teaching mathematic concepts to children in elementary school.I never knew there were so many ways to look at addition and subtraction, but I do know different children will have different perceptive needs. Van de Walle catalogues strategies to help elem math teachers of any level. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Elementary    4. Elementary School Mathematics    5. Mathematics    6. Study and teaching (Elementary    7. Study and teaching (Elementary)    8. Study and teaching (Middle sch    9. Study and teaching (Middle school)    10. Teaching Methods & Materials - Classroom Planning    11. Teaching Methods & Materials - Mathematics    12. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / Mathematics    13. Primary / junior schools   

Subjects:  1. Art    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Elementary    5. Elementary School Creative And Manual Arts    6. Secondary School Creative And Manual Arts    7. Study and teaching (Elementary)    8. Study and teaching (Middle school)    9. Teaching Methods & Materials - Arts & Humanities    10. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / Arts & Humanities    11. History of art & art styles    12. Primary / junior schools   

Reviews (7)

Practical Traits
This book offers tons of practical approaches and practice scoring for the 6 Traits of Writing.It is written by a recognized master in the field and has been so helpful.

A Friendly Read
Spandel's book is an authentic, engaging, and encouraging read for those that teach writing, want help infusing writing, or want to enhance their own writing. It is written conversationally and is well supported with numerous examples. I found it visually appealing as a reader and insightful. (Another review didn't like the visuals because it isn't easy to lift examples "as is" for sharing in class. To that angle I agree, but as a reader the layout is very pleasing.) Highly recommended.

Creating Writers Through 6-Trait Writing Assessment and Instruction (4th Ed)
This book gives so many examples of the qualities to look for and teach in writing instruction.I especially like the fact that this edition is more inclusive of secondary ideas and samples.
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Subjects:  1. Composition & Creative Writing - General    2. Composition and exercises    3. Education    4. Elementary    5. English language    6. Language Arts / Linguistics / Literacy    7. Report writing    8. Rhetoric    9. Study and teaching    10. Teaching Methods & Materials - Language Arts    11. Creative writing guides    12. Education / Teaching Methods & Materials / Reading    13. Writing skills   

Reviews (29)

A Must Have for those who teach Reading
I have been doing alot of professional reading on strategies to help my students comprehend what they read.I teach reluctant readers and this is one of the best I've read for middle school comprehension.This puts a new spin on strategies I've already been doing.This book plus Strategic Reading-Guiding Students to Lifelong Literacy 6-12 by Jeffrey Wilhelm are my strategic plans for learning-centered teaching: I do You watch, I do You help, You do I help and You do I watch.Powerful research!!!!

I Read It, but I Don't Get It: Comprehension Strategies for Adolescent Readers
This is one of the most helpful books about teaching struggling readers that I've ever read.The strategies were immediately applicable to my work with learning disabled teenagers, and the book is written in a very clear and conversational style.It's like sitting down for a great discussion with a master reading teacher.Highly recommended.

Teachers of Teens: Read This!
Try this book: easily readable, conversational, and inspirational, it develops ways to reach those who do not really understand what they read. There are anecdotal narratives, each with suggestions for techniques to use in the classroom, and these help focus on the problem as well as possible solutions. I would like to see it used in teacher training classes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Reading    4. Reading (Secondary)    5. Reading Skills    6. Reading comprehension    7. Remedial teaching    8. Secondary    9. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading   

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Elementary    4. Elementary School Mathematics    5. Mathematics    6. Secondary    7. Secondary School Mathematics    8. Special Education - General    9. Study and teaching (Elementary)    10. Teaching Methods & Materials - Mathematics    11. Education / Special Education / General    12. Primary / junior schools    13. Teaching of those with special educational needs   

Reviews (11)

Elementary Education: Content Knowledge Study Guide
I really found this book helpful for studying for the Praxis II.
This was so helpful!
If you are like me and you dread standardized tests get this book!The sample questions made a huge difference in how I prepared for the test and how relaxed I felt taking the test.I read this study guide two months before the exam and then reviewed the guide the week before.I passed the exam with flying colors and am now certified to teach!

Good price for the product.
I still have to read the bulk of the book, but I do plan on using it as the primary source to prepare me for the upcoming praxis.It looks as if I may have to use other books for information as well as information researched online.The Xam books are really good as well, but cost twice as much.A good investment along with the Praxis study guides. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Elementary    2. Praxis    3. Professional - General    4. Professional - Teacher    5. Study Aids    6. Study Guides    7. Test Prep    8. Study Aids / Professional   

Reviews (13)

Review of Golden's _Price of Admissions_
This is a book full of handwringing and incessant whining.Golden, a Harvard alumnus, lacks any subtlety or literary range, not to mention consistency.He'll rail against "development cases" pushing out "well qualified" candidates from "top-tier" NYU and Georgetown then pages later treat both schools as inferior backups or consolation prizes.Which are they?Golden shoots so broadly that his complaint gets lost.Again and again he laments that a seat given a "development case" or alumni "legacy" could have gone to someone more deserving.Who would that be?He writes as if a champion of the oppressed but anyone sensible knows that these seats would most probably go to some other child prepped at Hotchkiss or Choate; or graduated from Greenwich or Beverly Hills public.In short, a seat given to SAT and GPA is no less a seat programmed for the perpetuation of wealth and social position -- just blander.Does Golden understand, like Groucho, that no one would care to attend HYP if there weren't wealthy and celebrated connections to be made?Golden doesn't see that a truer psychological intrigue is to be found in the alliance of court and commons when thrown into a mix with the carnivorous middle.In such circumstances it might be better to end the masquerade and simply have foreigners, legacies, celebrities, minorities and the poor appear daily on stage in Memorial Hall -- curio objects for collection and enlightened entertainment.It's all very silly, really!But, still he rails.How can Golden possibly conceive of affirmative action for intellectuals?Repeat:This is the United States of America.I am sure they read Hofstadter when Golden attended Harvard.I'm also certain they understood PT Barnum.Does Golden think today's economy offers better rewards for aesthetic beauty or intellect?He should reconsider as U-Tube scores billions but pure science waits on tables.If America really cared about intellect and talent it would eagerly fund gifted education in the public schools.If it really cared about equality it would step up and pay for better schools all around.If Golden really held dame egalite's torch he would befriend Jonathan Kozol.Even George Steinbrenner recognizes that teams composed from imbalanced talent, and ego, make far more satisfying stories.Holmes needed his Watson, many great scientific discoveries were accidental, and "gated communities" are extremely dull places to live.Real diversity is social, economic, racial, intellectual and talent broad.If Harvard falls short, it can afford to try harder -- and it will.The last thing an egalitarian should desire is to attack "legacy" or "development" or "celebrity" admits only to replace their peculiarities with admissions by the numbers. Listen up defenders of affirmative action: Do not call in the wolves to help you fight the dogs.

Right on
A brief stroll across the Porsche, BMW, Mustang, and SUV packed parking lot of a Stanford undergrad dorm shows that this book must have a kernel of truth, unfortunately.

It's Okay
I found this book to be a fascinating read.One thing I did not like though was Golden's characterization of affirmative action.Although this wasn't the explicit focus of his book, his brief references to it I think lead to false impressions.In fact, there aren't large numbers of black and Latino students walking around these schools.The majority of the "minorities" are Asians, particularly at the graduate level where the largest campus organization at one Ivy League school in particular is the Chinese Students Association.Most of the black and Latino students are immigrants or second-generation immigrants.Because of the "immigrant effect" (e.g. the high performance of Asian students), these kids generally have higher test scores and better grades than any Americans--white or black.I can count on one hand the number of Jamalsor Letitias growing up in the inner city walking around these schools.Therefore, it's kind of ignorant when whites say they are at a disadvantage because "they don't have race."It's too bad that they didn't get into the schools to be able to see that their impressions about how many spots were given to blacks and Latinos because of affirmative action is not really accurate.
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Subjects:  1. Admission    2. College choice    3. Costs    4. Economics Of Education    5. Education    6. Education / Teaching    7. Education, Higher    8. Educational Policy & Reform    9. Finance    10. Higher    11. Social Classes    12. Social Stratification    13. United States    14. Universities and colleges    15. Current Events / American   

Reviews (3)

Excellent resource for busy educators
Having purchased many types of teaching resources over the last few years, I have finally found onemore helpful than all the others combined. Evertson not only outlines the procedures in an easy to read manner, but she also gives excellent examples of her theories in practice. I was expecting a book that strictly dealt with keeping order in the classroom, but what I received was so much more. This book describes ways to teach that will ensure that classrooms run smoothly and more importantly the students learn. I only hope that other new teachers find this text at the beginning of their careers as the advice contained is invaluable. If your budget or time schedule only allows for one book, definitely buy this one!

Recommended 100%
Great Book!!!!Shipped quickly!!!!!Would order from again!!!!

Elementary Management for Elementary Teachers
Specific suggestions and tips help teachers solve common organization andmanagement problems *Case studies at the elementary level provideteachers withrealistic expectations of what they will encounter in the classroom and how to deal with a wide range of differentsituations.*Case studies give teachers real-world examples on managingcooperativelearning, literature-based and whole-languagelearning, and inclusionclassroons. *The authors have increased the coverage of diversity in student populations and have added new suggestions forworking withspecial needs students. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classroom Management    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Education, Elementary    5. Elementary    6. Teaching    7. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    8. Education / Classroom Management    9. Industrial or vocational training    10. Organization & management of education   

Reviews (4)

A Wonderful, Refreshing Child Development Book
Finally, a book that offers sensible and realistic approaches to child development which departs from "mythical" ideas of past and archaic culture. Luckily, this volume isn't afraid to address the homogenous fallacies that have plagued our society and discusses significantly the exploration of truly modern theories embraced around the world. People of all walks of life, education, and backgrounds will rejoice in an important concept that this book teaches: genuinely nurturing children as opposed to treating them like pets.

Still the Best
Beginnings and Beyond is still the best Early Childhood Education text out there.

Moral people beware
If you have a conservative, moral or Christian bone in your body, this book will sicken you beyond your wildest imagination.If you fall into any of the above described categories, then this book will classify you as a "European male," or of "European Ancestory".This book preaches strongly a so called "diversity" but if you are a white male the "diversity" of opinions stops.(unless of course you decide to agree with the author.)And if you are a Catholic, you have even more to digest, as the book reaks of anti-Catholicism. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Child development    2. Curricula    3. Early childhood education    4. Education    5. Education / Teaching    6. Parenting - Child Rearing    7. Preschool & Kindergarten    8. Education / Elementary    9. Pre-school & kindergarten   

Reviews (5)

A Great Perspective
I first bought this book 1.5 years ago when I was researching colleges for my oldest son.It changed the way I looked at selecting colleges from my prior misconceptions that "bigger is better" (like large state schools) and "it has to have a well-known name to be any good."Pope succeeded in convincing me that not only are there invaluable advantages to smaller-size schools but that there is definitely something to be said for "liberal arts & science" institutions that offer a well-rounded curriculum.I was able to relax then because my son had no idea what he wanted to pursue.As a result of reading the book, my son is now attending Cornell College in Iowa where he is getting a wonderful education in small classes with caring instructors and an administration that "took me by the hand," upon his initial arrival as a freshman, & addressed all my fears and concerns about leaving my son with a bunch of strangers 4 hours away.Because the book includes little quantitative information (%'s of in- vs out-of-staters, tuition costs, % of students who graduate/return sophomore year/go to graduate school, etc.) you will need to supplement this book with another, such as the Fiske guide, to give you a basis of comparison across schools.Even if you don't select any of the schools mentioned, it is worth a read if for nothing else other than a refreshing perspective.

No schools listed in the west
Wish I had known that the book focused on schools on the east coast, in the midwest, and in the southeast.No California schools are listed.

Lots of information to consider and is thought provoking
I have a daughter ready to apply to colleges this fall and have found this book very helpful in planning and sorting through the myriad of information out there.
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Subjects:  1. College And University Guidance And Counseling    2. College Guides    3. College choice    4. Directories    5. Education    6. Higher    7. Institutions Of Higher Education    8. Reference    9. School environment    10. United States    11. Universities and colleges    12. Education / Reference   

Reviews (3)

Nice tool for new teachers.
This book is a practical resource for new secondary teachers. The authors discuss classroom set-up, student resources, and behavior problems.There are many ideas ready for application in your own classroom and no boring or unnecessary narratives that most classroom management books have.
Harry K. Wong Implements Research of Evertson
In his video series "The Effective Teacher" Part II: The First Days of School, Harry Wong cites the work of Carolyn Evertson and how he implements her research in the classroom:Wong says "Now, why do I assign seats?Now, you may know the name Carolyn Evertson.She is arguably the leading authority on classroom management.She did her work at the Univ. of Texas, Austin campus, many years ago.They wrote a book called Classroom Management for Elementary Teachers and a book called Classroom Management for High School and Junior High School Teachers.They went out and they looked at thousands and thousands of very effective teachers, and they went out and they looked at thousands and thousands of very ineffective teachers, and this is what they discovered.They discovered that effective teachers assign seats on the first day of school..."He shows a graphic of the covers of the two books.This is one of the books he refers to.Harry Wong is the author of the book The First Days of School.Anyone who liked The First Days of School, therefore, might be interested to read this resource that Harry Wong found to be useful.

This is a must have book for any secondary teacher.
I use this book as the text for one of my classes at VanderbiltUniversity.The students always love it.It is one of the most practicaltextbooks that I have seen.This book contains everything beginningteachers need to make a smooth and effective start on their journey as ateacher. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classroom Management    2. Education    3. Education / Teaching    4. Education, Secondary    5. Secondary    6. Secondary Education    7. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    8. Education / Classroom Management    9. Industrial or vocational training    10. Organization & management of education    11. Teaching skills & techniques   

Subjects:  1. Composition and exercises    2. Creative writing (Primary educ    3. Creative writing (Primary education)    4. Education    5. Education / Teaching    6. Elementary    7. English language    8. Forums (Discussion and debate)    9. Study and teaching (Primary)    10. Teaching Methods & Materials - General    11. United States    12. Teaching skills & techniques   

Reviews (12)

practical qnd classroom friendly
This book is a wonderful resource book for any Language Arts teacher.The key to successfully using it is to find out what the child needs to learn to do to become a better reader.Then Mrs. Beers has listed what to do, and even shows how it has worked with real students.I know the activities could be used with first graders and on up.I taught Reading Recovery for ten years and have studied struggling readers for forty years, and I know these resources will work.I also like the authors she used to gather her research.She didn't just research through books, but also practiced these herself.Mrs. Beers has included places for busy teachers to go easily to find the materials to use.All Language Arts teachers shoud use this book.

When Kids Can't Read What TEachers Can Do
This is a great book for ESL teachers, new teachers and even seasoned teachers that need to help their kids think higher level and need help with comprehension.I have enjoyed everything in it!!!I am not finished but I am already implementing many of the ideas for comprehension.This purchase has been the best money I have spent in a long time!

I love this book!
I love this book!As a future teacher, it is very helpful.It gives many tips on how to help your reluctant reader.It also is an easy read and not boring what-so-ever. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Education    2. Education / Teaching    3. Elementary    4. Reading    5. Reading (Middle school)    6. Reading (Secondary)    7. Remedial teaching    8. Secondary    9. Teaching Methods & Materials - Reading    10. English    11. English language    12. Literacy    13. Reading skills    14. Teaching of a specific subject