Customer Reviews

The Teachable Moment: Seizing the Instants When Children Learn (Kaplan Voices Teachers)

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
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This collection of thoughtful, true tales is an excellent "go to" book, not just for educators (who will obviously find it inspiring for classroom management and learning/motivation tips), but for MOMS and dads who want a window into all of the "tricks" teachers and psychologists use to inspire our kids to learn.

I am part of a Mom's club network and the book has been passed around and around...the moms of young ones are loving it because we RARELY have time to read a full text (or anything longer than a quick magazine article!). These short stories are quick to read and provide an "aha" moment that allows for inspiration throughout the day. I especially enjoyed the stories that were written from teachers that reached out to children who were cast as "hard to reach"...as well as the unique stories from psychologists and other educational staff. It's almost as if Dr. Branstetter went around interviewing educators and daring them to tell "the story" - the one they reserve for the dinner party when someone asks, "So, how do you like your job? Tell me about it..."

This book is ESPECIALLY timely given the recent national educational debate sparked by the Waiting for Superman documentary...I highly recommend this book for all those who are concerned with learning how to inspire and encourage children in what can be a very hectic, busy world...enjoy.

I highly recommend reading this book to anyone. For educators and school psychologists, it reminds us that we should never give up on our students. Even if we do not see progress immediately, we should never give up. It takes time, love, and dedication. For parents, I believe it would help them understand what a teacher goes through during their profession. I believe teachers have the most difficult but rewarding job of us all.

Absolutely loved the book and will be recommending it to everyone I know when school starts!

Very readable. Gave me a very good insight into the challenges teachers are faced with and how difficult it is to have a teachable moment.

This book is a must read for all educators. The stories are beautifully written, and there is a lesson to be learned about how to find success within the classroom and reach all learners.

As a classroom teacher, I find the best advice comes from peers. This book, which I was lucky enough to contribute to, is filled with stories of everyday situations that teachers encounter on any given school day. Reading about the ways teachers deal with those unexpected moments that turn into great learning opportunities was a very educational experience. Often humor filled, these insights into other classrooms are not only great for putting a smile on your face, but you may also just come away with a few more rabbits to pull out of your hat!

So, by way of full admission, I am not just a fan of this book, I am one of the contributors. I wrote about my experiences teaching in a teen parenting program and how the tables were turned. The teachable moment was, in fact, a teachable moment for me! This book is full of such occurences with kids learning from teachers and vice versa. Wonderfully told from a variety of perspectives, by an impressive collection of educational professionals, it isn't just a book for folks working in schools. Anyone with an interest in children will enjoy reading. And if you dig it, check out the sister book, "One Size Does Not Fit All," which I edited. The theme is diversity and it is sure to open the noneducator's eyes to all the different kinds of kids we educators are working with in schools today. And for educators, it will surely add to your perspective, helping to build empathy and increase your chances of success in the classroom.

I am sure you will enjoy both books!

This book is very motivational for teachers or really anyone who works with children. It's full of stories of masterful, passionate teachers who share moments of uncertainty and fear of failure when working with a challenging student. But, that moment when the student "gets it" and subsequently the teacher "gets it" can be so unexpected and glorious! (May all educators experience these moments!!) The teachers in this book clearly care about their students, they look for moments to encourage, and they are open to trying different strategies. (I especially like the reaching out to parents for ideas.) As a future school psychologist, I found the voices of the teachers in this book to be extremely valuable. It felt like I was meeting with a different teacher through each story. I highly recommend this book.

At times it has been frustrating to figure out whether I should stay in education and deal with what has become the most difficult part....the educational politics. I read this book in a day and it helped me realize and remember the reasons I stay in education, the students. This book is a great compilation of different experiences that every educator can relate to. I have taught in rural, suburban, and urban schools. There were many times I paused and thought, "Wow, someone else had that same experience?" I would recommend this book to a first year teacher and to veteran teachers. It is not filled with the educational jargon that usually advises best practices without really understanding what it is like to be a teacher in today's society. These stories are real and capture the voices of teachers everywhere.

I received this book in the mail yesterday and read it in one day. I bought it because I regularly read the blog written by the editor and was interested in learning real stories from actual educators instead of learning about education from textbooks. Not only was it informative but it was funny; it showed the humanity of teachers. I was hooked from the introduction, buy this book if you're thinking about becoming a teacher, working in education or just want a great read. You won't be disappointed!

A collection of essays written by teachers/educational professionals "in the trenches." A chronicle of educators finding and savoring that sometimes elusive "teachable moment."