Customer Reviews

Brain-Friendly Strategies for the Inclusion Classroom

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Board-certified neurologist and middle school teacher Judy Willis presents Brain-Friendly Strategies for the Inclusion Classroom: Insights From a Neurologist and Classroom Teacher, a guide to teaching strategies designed to engage and stimulate all students, and be of especial help to students with learning disabilities. Chapters cover tips, tricks, and techniques for teaching students attention disorders; review and test preparation strategies ideal for a diversity of learners; the theory of multiple intelligence brains; and much more. An invaluable reference and resource for teachers of all grades.

With the diversity of students increasing in our classrooms today, Dr. Willis's book fills knowledge void that connects brain research to classroom instruction. It is critical for teachers to meet the educational needs of students of all ability levels, including students with a variety of leaning disabilities and gifts. This is the first book I've found that explains what works and why from a comprehensive, brain-friendly perspective. The technical terms were so effectively explained that you will gain a deep understanding about the complex neural function of the brain and how this new knowledge can lead to classroom success.
Brain-Friendly Strategies for the Inclusion Classroom gives educators the neuroscience research background and specific classroom strategies to build on all students' strengths and facilitate their growth and engagement. I particularly appreciated Dr. Willis's style of writing and reader-friendly approach that clearly reflects her background in neuroscience and education. The strategies and specific unit lessons, offered as detailed examples, are easy to follow and ready to bring right into the classroom.
Today with the pressure of standardized testing and the resulting overly regimented curriculum, educators need help to adapt curriculum so all students can succeed and truly not be left behind. If you are ready to use neuro-logical strategies to effectively and joyfully engage students with a range of abilities, challenges, and gifts in your general education classroom, but don't have time to read all the books that are out there, this is the one to read!
Lawrence May, MD

Dr.Willis has created a masterful document that successfully merges the best of the brain sciences with educational practice. She not only speaks from an extensive background in neurology, but also as a practicing educator. In this work, she has generated solid suggestions with an abundant array of strategies and ideas that are well grounded in both research and practice. This well articulated book is an easy read and enormously useful to the classroom practitioner of today. Complete with examples and lesson plan layouts, this book is a must-read for those in education ~ whether they be involved in inclusion classrooms or not!! Her approach to integrating learning is refreshing, insightful and easily put into use!

I just finished reading Dr. Willis's book and it is as if she heard my prayers when she wrote it. The demands on teachers are increasing because classes are becoming more inclusive, with greater diversity of student abilities. Reading her book was faster, easier and less expensive than taking courses for inclusion skills, and a lot more convenient. With this book (loaned to me by an ASCD member who received an early edition) I feel so much more comfortable about my abilities to make my classroom a place of learning and joy for all my students. The explanations of how the brain processes information are so clearly presented I feel as if I've been to a complete seminar. The strategies are well described and can be applied throughout the K-8 years. I've been looking for a book that describes inclusion class intervention strategies that are both classroom-based and validated by research, and with Dr. Willis' training and experience as both a neurologist and a classroom teacher, I finally have that book. Each strategy is extended with step-by-step descriptions about how to incorporate the strategy into classroom teaching to fit the diversity of students I teach. I highly recommend this excellent and very readable resource for both general ed and special ed teachers who advise them. It is filled with helpful information written in a positive and motivational format, and gives us back ways to implement quality instruction in the face of the increasing restrictions of NCLB. I won't be passing on my copy because I want to continue to refer to it as I implement more of the strategies, but I will be telling my colleagues that this is the book they have been waiting for. Thank you, Dr. Willis, for putting so much thought and passion into what will surely become a classic.

An invaluable reference and resource for teachers of all grades
Board-certified neurologist and middle school teacher Dr. Judy Willis presents Brain-Friendly Strategies for the Inclusion Classroom: Insights From a Neurologist and Classroom Teacher, a guide to teaching strategies designed to engage and stimulate all students, and be of especial help to students with learning disabilities. Chapters cover tips, tricks, and techniques for teaching students attention disorders; review and test preparation strategies ideal for a diversity of learners; the theory of multiple intelligence brains; and much more. An invaluable reference and resource for teachers of all grades.

Book Reviews for Educators

This book is excellent. I have been seeking information on why students have so much trouble learning. This book helps me to understand that stress and environmental baggage from home can cause students to shut down. I highly recommend this book to all subject areas.

I have come across countless cases where the damage done by educators (and the system), parents, and managers/supervisors at work - goes un-noticed, and un-mitigated. For whatever reason they turn off students (their own children, or their employees) on learning and growing. They end up creating mental blocks for the future, preventing the individual from producing peak performance. This is one of the most hideous and unforgivable acts I know of, and the cost is not calculable.

I urge all parents, educators, leaders of educational institutions (colleges, universities, schools, and all others), and managers / supervisors to read and apply what Judy Willis has to say. She has provided simple and practical tips to ensure everyone in the class room (or group) gets included in their own way, without alienation, and progresses to their fullest capacity as far as learning is concerned. The psychology of a student is like a delicate flower, that can wither rather quickly. It needs to be treated with proper care. Judy Willis shows you how - without insulting your intelligence.

I rate it a strong buy - if you are interested in any of the following:

- raising a successful child, one who can learn and grow forever
- teaching (of any kind)
- managing a teaching institution
- managing a group via playing the role of a mentor rather than a task master

Enjoy the read - it is easy to digest and apply - and make the world a better place!

The book to read about differentiated instruction. I strongly recommend this book as both a source of linking brain research to relevant and ready to use classroom strategies, and also a a motivating "read" to inspire your own renewed optimism and creative instruction.

Inclusion is away to mainstream students with learning disabilities in the regular education classroom. This method of teaching can be very effective because it will allow teachers to modify their instructions to meet the individual's needs. Students with disabilities can benefit greatly from inclusion. First, inclusion helps students be placed in a regular classroom environment. By allowing students with learning disabilities to be placed in a regular education classroom they will feel a sense of acceptance from their peers. Acceptances from his or her peers are important part of developing socialization skills. Inclusion helps teachers to be involved in one-on-one bases with students with different abilities. In an inclusion classroom the regular education and special education work together to meet the special needs students needs. Inclusion also helps teachers, students, parents, and other officials develop a membership which allows better communication and understanding of the student's progress. Communication is a great way to help parents know what their students are learning within the classroom and how their behavior is. It is also important for the special education and regular education teacher to communicate often with each other and the student's parents. Secondly, inclusion allows students with special needs to have modified instructions in small groups. In most inclusion classrooms there are two teachers that help plan instruction for the students. There is a regular education teacher who works with the special education teacher to gear instructions to meet the goals of the Individual Education Plan (IEP). Also, inclusion helps develop friendships and get involved with activities in their community. This allows the special needs students to develop people skills and self respect.