Customer Reviews

The Cornerstone: Classroom Management That Makes Teaching More Effective, Efficient, and Enjoyable

5 star:		(45)
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I have used Ms. Powell's website for years, as a newer teacher, to get ideas and information for making my classroom run as smoothly as possible. The book reads much like her website: she is speaking to you as if you were sitting in the same room having a conversation about management. The tone is friendly and conducive to passing along information about managing a classroom to make the most out of every second you have with your students. The ONLY thing I don't like is that there are no "reproducibles" included in the book -- you have to visit the site to get those. The upside of that, however, is that the downloads are word documents that you can customize which makes it easy to adapt the resources to your specific needs. I will definitely be recommending this book to my colleagues who are just entering the field.

This is one of the, if not the, best books I have ever read on classroom management. All of the ideas are very user friendly and easy to implement. A couple of weeks ago I went to visit a fellow teacher at her lake house for the weekend. Of course I took my book to show her. Well, about an hour after I left I realized I left it there. As soon as I got home I ordered another one because I wasn't going to be able to get my book back until after school started, and I wanted to finish reading it now. My friend was very excited to find out she has a great new book!

I have personally used many of the ideas that Angela Powell describes in her book. Last year I taught a very challenging 4th grade class. I tried everything with no success and finally came across the Token System. It was easy to use and very effective. I am planning on using it again this year when school starts, instead of waiting until problems arise later in the year. In addition, Angela has managed to cover any and all questions a new teacher might have - from setting up their classroom to handling students who want to go to the water fountain all day long. But let me assure you - this book is definitely not just for new teachers. There are lots of great ideas for all teachers - newbies and seasoned veterans alike.

I feel very confident that you will not be disappointed if you order this book. It would be the best investment you could make in your classroom this year.

P.S. Angela also has an awesome website. Visit www.thecornerstoneforteachers.com.

I was an avid fan of her website. For years I've used her ideas and enjoyed the fabulous pictures and easy explanations that accompany room set-up to management and organizational ideas. This book is the best resource you can have. The book is a foundation for any teacher of any subject. Powell doesn't say there is one way to do something. She'll give you some ideas she'd tried years ago, and tell you what's working for her now. We all know that often our classroom students dictate how our systems need to be set up. This book will be as valuable in 25 years as it is now. The documentation chapter is especially important in today's world. Thanks Thanks Thanks to Mrs. Powell.

This is the most helpful and useful book I have read on classroom management. From organization to teaching routines, I have implemented so many of the ideas and strategies in my classroom. I am so organized that after the first month of school, I find that I can leave school on time. Managing my class is so much easier using the techniques in this book. It is an easy read written by a current teacher. I highly recommend it!

This book is an outstanding resource in classroom management for elementary teachers. I often purchase this as a gift for my student teachers because it has such a wealth of information from setting up your classroom, developing a management system, dealing with all the paperwork; etc. The website downloads are an added bonus. As an elementary teacher with over 30 years in the classroom, I learned a few new things and would highly recommend this resource to anyone looking for support in building their classroom management skills.

I came across Angela's website when I was looking for ideas on how to organize my classroom. Even though her ideas were given for elementary, I easily adapted her suggestions to my high school Spanish class. Because I was successful in my endeavor, I purchased her book and couldn't have been more satisfied. Don't hesitate if you teach middle or high school, her management ideas are for all teachers looking to make their classroom (and lives) a little more organized and less hectic.

As an inner city teacher many of the books I come across are not practical given the cultural setting that I teach in. This book however has ideas that I can actually use as well as some helpful insight on teaching in the urban classroom. I love the photos, too. If you need that visual like I do, The Cornerstone provides just what you need.

I am an Elementary Education major. During my classroom management class, I stumbled upon this phenomenal resource! Angela Powell jam packs years of experience into the covers of this book! I loved this book (and her website) so much, I raved about it in my class. As a result, my instructor, a K-8 principal, added this to her must have book list for new and seasoned teachers. I am an organizational junkie. Ms. Powell includes pictures of room arrangements, FILES (I loved this part!!), and tons of other tried and true strategies to managing a classroom. She also includes access to various printable resources. The amount of suggestions for classroom management were slightly overwhelming. BUT, I was able to pick and choose the methods that worked for me and my teaching philosophy. This book is a must have for new educators!

I have been a fan of Angela Powell's website for years and was thrilled when she wrote the book Cornerstone for Teachers. This book helps the new, the in-between, and the seasoned teachers. It is easy to read and keeps the reader engaged throughout the book. The book teaches us how to organize school files, games, behavior, and learning. My favorite sections are the paper-trap chapter and the easiest token system. The Cornerstone book is the most used item in my library and it shows! It's great to have classroom photos to reference! I also buy new copies for my student teachers.

I recommend this book for any teacher, at any point in their career.

I was first introduced to Angela through her first website several years ago. I would sit on my computer and read for long periods of time. I just couldn't believe another teacher was kind enough to take the time to share all the info for others to read. When she put it all (and more) into book form, I was eager to purchase.

Although I teach children with Special Needs, Angela's thorough descriptions of all the ideas was easily adapted for my classroom. If I didn't know how to do something, I felt comfortable asking and Angela had no problem with her ideas of how to adapt. Angela also is open to ideas from other teachers and openly gives them credit and recognizes their hard work. Angela's own experience as a teacher shows her ideas have been tested and she's honest about what works and what doesn't. Her willingness to share the ready made work is an added plus!

Each time there is a new teacher that comes to our building, I share my book with them and most will buy their own copy. Any mentor or school leader would benefit from giving this to any teacher! This past year I gave it to an experienced teacher who has had difficulty managing her class she was so appreciative. She shared it with her whole grade level team. As a team, they found new ideas to apply to their classes (even one who's been teaching over 20 years!).

I HIGHLY recommend this book to any teacher who is open to learning, wanting to improve and willing to take the time to do so!