Missouri State Teachers Association

Books: The Prometheus Project by Douglas E. Richards

     I stumbled across great reviews for adolescent novels by Douglas E. Richards, a molecular biologist (a.k.a. genetic engineer) by education and trade.  The Prometheus Project:  Trapped and The Prometheus Project:  Captured feature teen characters Ryan and Regan Resnick in these science fiction thrillers.

     I was never a fan of science fiction until I saw how it could engage middle school boys in my communication arts classes.  The genre is one that appeals to both genders, though it is often overlooked by educators.  Note to English teachers:  try it!

     If anyone has firsthand knowledge of these books, let me know.  I take personal recommendations over the ones I find on the internet. . .

 

(Images from Amazon.com)

A Drop for Your Bucket

      Recently, I received a "drop for my bucket" from a colleague.  Like me, he serves MSTA as a field service coordinator and hears many teacher stories.  A school in his area uses drops to foster positive relationships among staff members.  Of course, receiving a drop prompted me to read more about the idea's origins:  "How Full is Your Bucket?  Positive Strategies for Work and Life."  It reminds me of the random acts of kindness craze several years ago, so I am sure this will catch fire and then burn out.  But I am all for the ride!  If folks can be more than civil to one another, even for a short period of time. . . more power to the people!

Ken Libbrect's Field Guide to Snowflakes

      What a handy companion for anyone teaching students about the formation of crystals!  Whether a cursory lesson or a more in depth investigation, I think you'll find this book relevant and a bit mysterious. . .

Motion Mountain: The Free Physics Textbook

                                   Sometimes I just don't know a unique find from a bogus offer.  However, I read a review of this text that was intriguing, so I thought I'd pass on the information and let you decide.  The critic likened it to a work of art. . .

     At any rate, a free source designed for teachers, students, and the physics curious deserves a look, right?

"The War Against Hope" Rod Paige

      I've not yet read the new book by former U.S. Education Secretary Rod Paige.  However, it sounds like my kind of reading.  Rumor has it teachers unions are the villain in this twisted plot. . .

     In fact, one quote pulled states, "The NEA was so powerful that even [President Ronald] Reagan knew better than to try to tackle both the Soviet empire and the teachers unions grip on their educational monopoly at the same time."

     Sound melodramatic?  You bet!  I'll be interested to see how the plot of good vs. evil unfolds. . .

Mind Mapping

     I've always been a somewhat linear thinker.  I was the child who produced an outline for the teacher - even when it wasn't required.  It just seemed like the logical way to organize material, complete an assignment, or study.

     But for those creative sorts who just don't brainstorm in straight lines, alphabetically, or in 1-2-3's, The Mind Map Book by Tony Buzan with Barry Buzan will be refreshing.  If you choose to look at this link, scroll down to take a look at Dr. Stanley's 25-foot long Boeing Aircraft mind map.  I'd bet there are a number of students who would respond favorably to this type of thinking (which is quite focused, contrary to the appearance of the maps).

"An Incomplete Education. . ."

     An Incomplete Education:  3,684 Things You Should Have Learned but Probably Didn't has been revised.  If you've never thumbed through previous incarnations of this book, it is fun!  Equally humorous and informative, it is a must for my coffee table.  Scroll down to the spotlight reviews on Amazon.com.

"The Homework Myth: Why Our Kids Get Too Much of a Bad Thing" by Alfie Kohn

     A compelling exposé of homework – how it fails our children, why it’s so widely accepted, and what we can do about it. - author's website

     I haven't read this book yet, but I plan to add it to my reading list.  As a classroom teacher, I struggled with the expectations and pitfalls of homework.  Parents were concerned when I assigned too much.  And they were equally concerned when I assigned too little.  After homework was assigned, students returned to school with one of three experiences:  they understood and completed the assignment perfectly, they didn't understand the assignment until a parent or older sibling helped, or they were frustrated out of their minds.  Are the benefits of homework a myth?  Alfie Kohn makes a good argument.  Check out the audio file linked to his book description.