Awakening Genius in the Classroom [Paperback]

Thomas Armstrong (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0871203022 | ISBN-13: 978-0871203021 | Publication Date: July 1, 1998

"Every student is a genius," declares author Thomas Armstrong, and an educator's most important job is to discover and nurture the "genius qualities" that all students were born with but that may no longer be obvious. Urging readers to look beyond traditional understandings of what constitutes genius, Armstrong describes 12 such qualities: curiosity, playfulness, imagination, creativity, wonder, wisdom, inventiveness, vitality, sensitivity, flexibility, humor, and joy. He cites research in various fields that supports this broader understanding of genius and explains how influences in the home, the popular media, and the school itself "shut down" the genius in students.

Combining thoughtful insights and practical information, Armstrong offers guiding principles to help educators awaken genius in the classroom--beginning with awakening the genius in themselves. Readers will find dozens of suggested activities and helpful resources to provide "genius experiences" and create a "genial climate" in the classroom. In addition, suggestions for further study at the end of each section provide starting points for personal and professional reflection and growth.

As it celebrates the potential brainpower waiting to be unlocked in classrooms everywhere, Awakening Genius in the Classroom inspires educators to look at their students from a different perspective and to reinvigorate their teaching with a new sense of excitement and possibility. The result, Armstrong concludes, could extend far beyond the classroom and transform not only our schools, but the entire world.

Product Details

• Paperback: 81 pages
• Publisher: Association for Supervision & Curriculum Deve (July 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0871203022
• ISBN-13: 978-0871203021
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 6 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #144,416 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I've been a writer and speaker for twenty-five years, focusing on the diversity of ways in which people learn and grow. I like to read (my favorite writer is Jorge Luis Borges), paint, meditate (I do mindfulness meditation), and play Scrabble (even though my wife usually beats me). I'm particularly excited about my new book (out in May 2010) called Neurodiversity: Discovering the Extraordinary Gifts of Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, and Other Brain Differences. It suggests that we think about brain diversity in the same way we think about biodiversity and cultural diversity. I used to work as a learning disability specialist and was disheartened by the negative labels we throw at children. I believe we need to honor and celebrate the uniqueness of each learner. My book Neurodiversity focuses on the strengths and abilities of people with mental health labels, including autism, dyslexia, ADHD, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, schizophrenia, and intellectual disabilities. I hope that you buy Neurodiversity, and tell other people about it!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational and Eye-Opening, April 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Awakening Genius in the Classroom (Paperback)

Thomas Armstrong asserts in his book, "Awakenking Genius in the Classroom," that every child is a "genius." He uses the term "genius" to mean "giving birth to ones joy" rather than the common use of the word (somenone with an exceptionally high IQ). Dr. Armstrong seeks to open educator's eyes to the possibilities and potentials that lie within each child. Although his book can be redundant in parts, he does manage to validate all children as special and to give teachers a new framework with which to view their students. I found the book to be informative and inspirational. It reaffirms why most of us began teaching - to ignite the spark within children which will help them to develop a lifelong love of learning.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Derivative & Disappointing, August 14, 2006

By 

Timothy Haugh (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Awakening Genius in the Classroom (Paperback)

I found this book to be incredibly disappointing. I was hoping for something powerful and inspiring that would give ideas for creating a really dynamic classroom. Instead, Mr. Armstrong has given us a derivative and vague book that does little to help those of us in education other than offer general criticisms and platitudes.

Modeled on Gardener's multiple intelligences (which Armstrong acknowledges), Awakening Genius offers us twelve types of "genius" that every child has. Things like playfulness, creativity, joy, etc. This is not to downplay the importance of these qualities; however, Armstrong's use of the word "genius" is misleading and, though he again acknowledges this and tries to define his own meaning of the term, his attempt in disingenuous. He is also extremely vague in answering questions like "why twelve?" "why these twelve?" and "what are some specific strategies to bring these to life in a classroom?" Instead, we have generalizations and activities with little definite direction.

Fortunately, this book is only seventy pages long or I never would have finished it. Those people who find motivation is generalizations and good cop/bad cop prose might find something worthwhile in here. I found very little but frustration.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Inspirational and Eye-Opening, April 22, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Awakening Genius in the Classroom (Paperback)

Thomas Armstrong asserts in his book, "Awakenking Genius in the Classroom," that every child is a "genius." He uses the term "genius" to mean "giving birth to ones joy" rather than the common use of the word (somenone with an exceptionally high IQ). Dr. Armstrong seeks to open educator's eyes to the possibilities and potentials that lie within each child. Although his book can be redundant in parts, he does manage to validate all children as special and to give teachers a new framework with which to view their students. I found the book to be informative and inspirational. It reaffirms why most of us began teaching - to ignite the spark within children which will help them to develop a lifelong love of learning.