Primary/Intermediate Book- “A River Ran Wild”
“A River Ran Wild” is the story of a grassroots environmental movement. Inspired by Massachusetts hero, Marion Stoddart, a large group of citizens of all ages, worked diligently for several decades to restore the ecologically-dead Nashua River to its original state. This beautifully illustrated book traces the history of the river––from the days when [...]
Intermediate/High School––Goal Setting and “The Last Lecture”
Last week I spent an evening with Teresa, an old friend of mine who just happens to be a fabulous grade six teacher at a nearby school. As it always does, our talk eventually turned to two of our favorite subjects––teaching and whatever good books we’ve read lately!
One thing I always admire about this friend [...]
High School/Adult Book- “Everyday Greatness”
I recently came across a book from the public library and thought that I’d pass along the title for those who enjoy reading about Level D!
The book is called “Everyday Greatness–Inspiration for a Meaningful Life.” It’s actually a book of excerpts from Reader’s Digest that have been organized into various themes. The Table of Contents [...]
Primary/Intermediate Book- “Miss Nelson is Missing”
This is a great book! I like to use it several months after I’ve taught all four levels of the DWS Hierarchy.
This story is especially valuable for discussing a concept from the DWS approach, that of “choosing your teacher.” In other words, when a student acts on a high level, the teacher is encouraged [...]
Intermediate/High School Book- “Letters to a Bullied Girl”
I’d like to share a new book I recently signed out from my public library.
It’s called “Letters to a Bullied Girl; Messages of Healing and Hope” by Olivia Gardner with Emily and Sarah Buder.
Just as the title promises, the book is filled almost entirely with letters — presented in an easy-to-read format. The letters are [...]
Primary/Intermediate Book – “Snowflake Bentley”
I’d like to share a picture book by Jacqueline Briggs Martin that connects wonderfully to many different types of lessons. SNOWFLAKE BENTLEY won the Caldecott Medal in 1999. It could be integrated into science, literature, a snow and winter theme, a study of biographies, symmetry, art and beauty, and in addition could be used to [...]
Primary/Intermediate Book – “Capyboppy”
Everyone knows the whimsical fantasies of Bill Peet, but you may not be familiar with his less well-known non-fiction book, “Capyboppy.” It’s one of my all time favorite children’s books!
Capyboppy is the true story of a South American capybara that was brought into the Peet home by Bill’s oldest son, a natural science major in [...]
High School/Adult Book – “The Paradoxical Commandments”
I just got a book out of the public library entitled, ANYWAY – The Paradoxical Commandments; Finding Personal Meaning in a Crazy World by Kent M. Keith.
In this book, the author tells the story of how the Paradoxical Commandments came to be written. They are sometimes attributed to Mother Teresa but were in fact [...]
Choice-Response Thinking – In a Poem!
Recently I came across a poem by Portia Nelson. It struck me that this poem sums up why I love teaching with the Discipline without Stress approach so much!
AUTOBIOGRAPHY IN FIVE SHORT CHAPTERS
by Portia [...]
Where can I find the primary book that’s used to teach the DWS levels?
QUESTION:
I’ve heard there is a book written by a primary teacher that can be used to teach the DWS Hierarchy to young students. Do you know this book? Where can I find it?
RESPONSE:
Yes, there is such a book! It’s called, “Children of Rainbow School.” The author is Tanis Carter, [...]
