Avg. Customer Rating:(based on 52 reviews) Sales Rank: 73707 Category: Book
Author:John Holt Publisher:Da Capo Press Studio:Da Capo Press Manufacturer:Da Capo Press Label:Da Capo Press Languages: English (Original Language), English (Unknown), English (Published) Media: Paperback Edition: Revised Number Of Items: 1 Pages: 320 Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.8 Dimensions (in): 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.9
Product Description Since its first publication in 1964, this book has helped two generations of parents and teachers understand what actually happens in the classroom. Holt's astute observation of children, his clear simple style, and his lifelong conviction that we can do better by our children make How Children Fail an enduring classic.
Essential for teachers, homeschooling parents August 6, 2008 0 out of 1 found this review helpful
In "A Series of Unfortunate Events," Count Olaf (dressed as Stephano the assistant) replies to the question "Are you good with children?" by saying, "Children are strange and foreign to me. . .I never really was one . . .but I understand that they are an important part of the ecosystem." This book is the antidote to that attitude. Holt analyzes the classroom situation--in detail--taking care to think of the children, where they are coming from, decoding their emotions, understanding their fears. If you care at all about nurturing children and giving them every opportunity to learn, this book is essential.
Insightful October 30, 2007 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Having studied education and seen first hand the detrimental affect teacher-centered classes have on a child's potential, I have to say it's refreshing to read a THINKING person's view on pedagogy in the 20th century. Sadly, I'm not sure we've improved much in the close to 50 years since this book/journal was written. Though the journal thoughts in the first part of the book show the direction Holt's thinking is leaning, the section on "Real Learning" is where the real gems are to be found. In fact, it has spurred me on to purchase "How Children Learn" as my preference is to approach education positively and constructively. This is a definite classic and I think new educators as well as old should be encouraged to read it and use to rethink their approach to teaching.
A real eye opener September 20, 2007 3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Another exceptionally good book from John Holt. A real eye opener and an insight into the ways little knowledge on the part of the educator and negative learning atmosphere could really mess up a person for life. Almost 20 years out of school and I am still afraid of anything math. I could definitely recognize myself in his descriptions of children and the tricks they use to "get the right answer". This book is an easy read as well. I borrowed it from the library and as soon as it was finished, I bought most of his other books right away. Very highly recommended book and author.
invaluable insight April 30, 2007 4 out of 4 found this review helpful
All the years I've been "against" public school, they were for reasons I'd researched, or came from my own bad experiences and those of my child, and other reasons I just "felt" inside but couldn't explain... I'd certainly built a case for myself as to what was wrong with the whole environment. But I still had never seen or imagined what Mr Holt saw through the eyes of a teacher (yet I could relate it to my entire experience at public school and knew he was speaking the truth). As I read his book it just filled in so many of the vague holes I'd felt as to why I didn't like public school but couldn't explain why. What invaluable insight into what really goes on! It was truly a turning point in my resolve to homeschool. I wish I'd read this years earlier.
Informative but..... November 5, 2006 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
After spending a year volunteering weekly in my sons class and then reading this book I found that what the author observed was exactly what I too saw in the classroom. If you've never spent alot of time in a classroom you would find many things in this book hard to believe. The sad truth of the matter is that it's all true. This book provides a wonderful insight into the classroom, but it is hard to get through. This is the sort of book that will put you to sleep if you aren't fully alert, but if you can get through it you will be glad you did.
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