Book Nook: How To Talk So Kids Can Learn At Home and In School

How To Talk So Kids Can Learn At Home and In School by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

So I'm on a 'How to Talk' book kick obviously. I also just finished How To Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk for the second time. Ah, I just really relate to the principles taught in these books. I wanted to read this one for a couple of reasons 1) I love teaching and miss it 2) I strongly believe in teaching in the home. This book was basically How To Talk but in the classroom. All the same principles and techniques but applied in a different setting. It goes over dealing with feelings and teaching students to deal with feelings. There's a chapter on inviting kids to cooperate (what teacher wouldn't want that!!), problem solving, praise and unlocking roles. I wish I read this book during my schooling or at least during my student teaching. I really think it would have helped me.
One of the most powerful things in my opinion is changing the roles kids get stuck in. It's sad in our public education how students get cast in to certain roles that they carry through their education. I love the power that teachers have to change this just by their attitude and giving responsibility. I also think it's a great idea to use problem solving with students. Get the students involved in solving issues and have them help to come up with solutions.
At the end of the book there is a chapter on parent/teacher relationships that opened my eyes. I think that chapter alone would be helpful for parents and teachers to read and to think about what they want from each other and how they can both work to benefit the student.