Customer Reviews

THE BOY WHO WOULD BE A HELICOPTER: The Uses of Storytelling in the Classroom

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(3)
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2 star:		(1)
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This book reaffirmed my faith in the education of young children. I had no idea there were teachers like Ms. Paley.Ms. Paley paints a portrait of a kindergarten classroom where each child is valued for his or her own unique self. Her students are story tellers and thus are "not slow or fast" but evolve at their own speed. Paley shares her own learning through the telling of this wonderful year in her classroom. I will make it required reading for all of my child care staff.

After reading, Vivian Gussin Paley's book, the boy who would be a helicopter, I found it to be a very interesting account of her experiences in teaching young children. In particular, I was really impressed by the way she engaged the children in telling their stories through acting them out, since this not only allowed the children to learn, but also Paley had the chance to learn more about the children through their stories. Of all the children, Paley was primarily focused on a boy named Jason because he was so different than the rest of her children. For example, Jason refused to play with the other children and when Paley tried to get him to join the group his typical response was his helicopter is broken at which point he would rush off to "supposedly' fix it.

What amazed me throughout the book was how Paley continued to encourage Jason to join them in their storytelling and refused to give up on him. In addition, despite Jason's differences Paley never labeled him. Quite honestly, I know teachers who would have labeled or viewed Jason as being a special needs child and wanted him out of their classroom. Yet, Paley was driven to help Jason and he eventually does make tremendous progress in her classroom. Of course, Jason's level of progress would not have occurred without Paley's patience and determination along with a positive learning environment, which sends an important message to teachers. Even at the end of the book, Paley never reveals what Jason's problem is or whether she feels he is in need of some special services. To me, I definitely recommend this book to any educator especially those who work with young children, since I think Paley has a real unique way of working with children and teachers could greatly benefit from reading about her classroom experiences.

Jeff Wagner

December 18, 2002

I believe the story relayed in this book is truly what the concept of 'no child left behind' could mean with a teacher and wisdom that honors each child for who he/she is, and meets them where they are to invite them into a larger "education". If more of our young children with different abilities could be allowed to live into their stories we might evoke happier endings for them. Vivian Paley;s insight, wisdom and ability to educe young stories has deeply inspired the foundation of my teaching.

Book Review of the boy who would be a helicopter

After reading, Vivian Gussin Paley's book, the boy who would be a helicopter, I found it to be a very interesting account of her experiences in teaching young children. In particular, I was really impressed by the way she engaged the children in telling their stories through acting them out, since this not only allowed the children to learn, but also Paley had the chance to learn more about the children through their stories. Of all the children, Paley was primarily focused on a boy named Jason because he was so different than the rest of her children. For example, Jason refused to play with the other children and when Paley tried to get him to join the group his typical response was his helicopter is broken at which point he would rush off to "supposedly' fix it.

What amazed me throughout the book was how Paley continued to encourage Jason to join them in their storytelling and refused to give up on him. In addition, despite Jason's differences Paley never labeled him. Quite honestly, I know teachers who would have labeled or viewed Jason as being a special needs child and wanted him out of their classroom. Yet, Paley was driven to help Jason and he eventually does make tremendous progress in her classroom. Of course, Jason's level of progress would not have occurred without Paley's patience and determination along with a positive learning environment, which sends an important message to teachers. Even at the end of the book, Paley never reveals what Jason's problem is or whether she feels he is in need of some special services. To me, I definitely recommend this book to any educator especially those who work with young children, since I think Paley has a real unique way of working with children and teachers could greatly benefit from reading about her classroom experiences.

Jeff Wagner

December 18, 2002

This book helps teachers to see how important play is, as well as how we each have a voice to tell stories. Children have a great imagination and this book helps to see a glimpse of it.

Vivian Paley is a master teacher of using storytelling in the classroom. It is so heart warming to know that children are being heard.Socio-Dramatic and literature in an environment where children are safe to be themselves. Autism Speaks. Bravo!!

I had to choose a book for my class and had read the reviews of this one. To be honest, I thought the book was a bunch of gibberish and never got to the point of the story. Never really understood the use of storytelling in the classroom which the cover says.

I received the book in a timely manner and I knew the book would be a good read. I've read three other books by the same author and she's fabulous. I was not disappointed with this book either. Thank you to the seller for having it on hand.

Love her story-telling and its relationship to teaching - I use it in my ESL classes. Is Vivian related to the short story writer - Grace Paley?