Location:Home » Caribbean » Philosophy & Social Aspects » If Holden Caulfield Were in My Classroom: Inspiring Love, Creativity, and Intelligence in Middle School Kids
Product Description Contrary to traditional educational thought, true emotion, rather than pure reason, is the secret to creativity and intelligence. The truth is ultimately personal-that's why it's universal. By the time Bernie Shein's students arrive in his middle-school classroom, they are little more than a gaggle of defense mechanisms, needing to rediscover who they are. His goal is to help them with this joyous and difficult endeavor. Through stories from his classroom, he shows us how he does it.
Attention: Parents of Pre- and Early Adolesent Children November 11, 2008 Not only are my children middle school age, I'm also co-leading a young teens ministry at my church. This book is very practical in helping understand what this age group is going through and how Bernie Schein has approached their challenges in a very untraditional style. Specifically, I've learned how to become a deeper listener and partner in middle school children's development.
Unlike a few other commentors, I had to read through several seatings. The book is filled with dialog between the author and his students; which, I personally find harder to read - not that it's bad, I just have to re-read to fully understand. The conversations do add texture and excitement to the main story. The mini stories, which are written by Bernie's students are written very well, some of which are deeply emotional, some that I've read out loud to my children.
Mr. Schein on pre- and early adolescents, "Certainly he is larger than life, easily outsizing the conventional lens through which we obstinately pursue him; grander, subtler, and more passionate than the conventional mirror we stubbornly hold up to him."
I highly recommend this book to teachers, principals, counselors, mentors, and parents. We need more people on the planet seeking truth and ready to inspire our future leaders.
Inspiring October 27, 2008 As I read Bernie's book, and "listened" to these kids incredible stories, I was overcome with feelings of how empty and shallow I was as a young teenager in middle school. If only I, and many others, could half been half as emotionally present as the kids Bernie taught there might be a lot more love, patience and understanding in this world. That is a tribute to Bernie's teaching methods and Bernie.
Read this book. It's still not too late to learn...about yourself.
Grants everything educators need to reach the hardest to reach kids October 7, 2008 Catcher in the Rye protagonist Holden Caulfield was a classic example of an introverted child who showed no enthusiasm for his schoolwork. "If Holden Caulfield Were in my Classroom: Inspiring Love, Creativity, and Intelligence in Middle School Kids" is a guide for teachers who want to reach out for these children who are trapped in their own shells. With plenty of tips to approach these children carefully so that they don't retreat further, "If Holden Caulfield Were in my Classroom" grants everything educators need to reach the hardest to reach kids, enthusiastically recommended.
A Book for Everyone September 10, 2008 Don't think this book is just for teachers or others in education, this book can benefit anyone. As a student in Bernie's class, he provided me the 2 years of my life that still have taught me more about myself than the other 27 combined. I have always wished that there was some way people in my life, who never had the opportunity to be transformed by Bernie, could in some way. I believe with this book, there is finally a way for those not as lucky as myself, at least in some small way, to as Conroy states in the introduction to the book, "encounter ... a man on fire."
Do yourself a favor. Read this book.
A book for parents September 5, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Another mother told me about this book and now I'm sending it to all of my friends who have kids entering middle school.
Bernie Schein's book is amazing not so much for what he tells us about his teaching methods as it is for the quality of the kids he has taught. The writing he pries out of pent up, isolated, bored, and anguishing teenagers (many of whom have learing disabilities)is unbelievable.
Bernie Schein shows us how to drag intelligence and creativity out of young teenagers by breaking down the barriers that block intimacy. His book demonstrates a unique ability to cut through BS and see people for who they really are. Kids trust him because he loves them and he doesn't judge.
This book had me crying shamelessly in a crowded airport but it was also instructive. It helped me to see how I can hang onto a good relationship with my kids. I have 11-year-old boy/girl twins who slip back and forth between youth and childhood and I'm scared of the teenage years, but Schein shows how to get through, how to keep them close by understanding them.
His book is both heart breaking and useful. I recommend it to parents.
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