Customer Reviews

Belonging: Creating Community in the Classroom

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This book is interesting reading for parents, teachers and anyone who values human relationships. Mona Halaby's classroom case stories are involved and engaging. You may laugh, and even cry, as you explore the different children's challenges and how they grow together and learn to belong. Mona's caring ways and proven methods for facilitating classroom meetings will be an asset to any program. I appreciciate the tools that I have gained, as a mother and as a Teacher, to help build a better sense of community for all I come in contact with.

When you think of the classic literature from the times of Shakespeare to the present day, you must include Mona Halaby's wonderful book. She transports you to the world of teaching and you see in-depth look at what goes on in the classroom. Her vivid descriptions of the children and powerful writing style make this book a must have for anyone. I was amazed at how I couldn't put it down, because I wanted to see what happened to all the children. In all my past critically acclaimed book reviews I have found some flaw, weather it be lack of description or flat characters. In Ms. Halaby's book I was planning on making something up, because no one believes a reviewer who says "It is just perfect!". Well here I am, it's just perfect. This book is one I will always remember and recommend to any reader. Beautiful writing from a great author.

This book took my breath away with its honest portrayal of the everyday lives of children. The reader takes a privileged ringside seat in a special classroom where author/master teacher Mona Halaby makes it possible for children to understand and respect themselves and eachother. In the current frenzy about raising test scores in our schools, it's easy to forget that real learning occurs only when students feel safe and accepted. The nuts and bolts chapter on running class meetings Halaby-style is a bonus for teachers, but this book is for anyone (parents, coaches, camp counselors, therapists . . . ) who want to learn how to talk with young people about issues of belonging/exclusion, taking responsibility for learning and behavior, and being a good friend.

"Belonging," whether you are an educator by profession or not, is a book that is valuable for its insights into children's conflicts and possible resolutions. I wish adults now had the same skills in communication, sympathy and empathy learned by Mona's class through their class meetings. As each child's problems unfold in each story, we see not only how he/she learns to be honest with themselves, but also to take responsibility for his/her actions and find resolutions. We watch how Mona's class learn to support each other and ultimately be an integral part of a community.

Ms. Halaby's book 'Belonging' takes us through the struggles and joys of being part of something bigger that ourselves. In reading it, we learn the meaning of dedication, of teaching as an interactive, reflective process that affects the lives of many including that of the teacher. Ms. Halaby's book is a testimony that when mutual trust and respect exist in a classroom, that when children are given a voice and held responsible for their actions and for their part in creating a class community, amazing change and growth can take place. I highly recommend her book to teachers, future teachers, educators, and parents who want a glimpse into the art of excellent teaching.

When you think of the classic literature from the times of Shakespeare to the present day, you must include Mona Halaby's wonderful book. She transports you to the world of teaching and you see in-depth look at what goes on in the classroom. Her vivid descriptions of the children and powerful writing style makes this book a must have for anyone. I was amazed at how I couldn't put it down, because I wanted to see what happened to all the children. In all my past critically acclaimed book reviews I have found some flaw, weather it be lack of description or flat characters, etc. In Ms. Halaby's book I was planning on making something up, because no one believes a reviewer who says, "It is just perfect!". Well here I am, it's just perfect. This book is one I will always remember and recommend to any reader. Beautiful writing from a great author.

seller posts items that they do not have to sell or have posted to sell for more in other sites. I ordered two books from this seller that they did not have to ship me. don't waste your time dealing with them, buy elsewhere and save the time and hastle of having to find another product to buy when they cancel the order.

This book is a waste of time unless you only read the Appendix--"Postscript for Teachers: The Nuts and Bolts" This section is about 15 pages and frankly isn't worth the time either! The rest of the book contains many stories that are too long, boring and simply not needed. Was the author paid by the word? Plus, the reading level of this book -- Ugh! -- did she write it for educators, or for 3rd graders?
Spend the money on something else! Or check it out at a library!