Ready to Learn: How to Overcome Social And Behavioral Issues in the Primary Classroom.

Portsmouth, NH Heinemann, 2006. Paperback First Ed thus; First Printing indicated. First Ed thus; First Printing indicated. Very Good+ in Wraps: shows only the most minute indications of use: just a hint of wear to extremities; mildest rubbing; former owner's name at front endpaper. Binding square and secure; text clean. Very close to 'As New'. NOT a Remainder, Book-Club, or Ex-Library. 8vo. 208pp. Textbook Paperback. Ready to Learn offers teachers and support staff a wonderful program to help with various everyday classroom behavioral, social and learning issues. It describes how to run the story telling metaphorical projects that students are sure to become involved with- kids likes stories and adventures and to feel capable and successful. This seems to be what this program is all about. I found that while reading this it seemed to me that the authors have put together something that many of us do everyday but we may lack a theme or link to tie things all together. The book provides a format and gives lots of descriptions of how this has played out in the classroom along with trouble shooting to help when one might have things come up or get stuck. Chapter 2 titled: Following a Class Through an Interplay Unit was just great. I could see the entire program conducted from the beginning to the end. The chapter describes how the teacher is able to addresses all sorts of classroom issues (disorganization, distracted students, uncooperative behaviors) through an adventure where the individual students and the classroom as a whole move through a knighthood tale. The students listen to a story, role play the story and then accomplish tasks each week to work toward being `knighted'. Challenges occured along the way- but eventually were worked out to where the students were able to support each other and feel successful. The classroom at the end of the unit was quite different from the one described at the beginning. The end of the unit culminates with a knighting ceremony. While reading the chapter- I felt as if I was a fly on the wall in the classroom- change the names and they were students I knew. It was truly magical to read! I would encourage any teacher or support staff to check this book out. I look forward to sharing it with teachers and support staff I work with in various special education programs.