Customer Reviews

Two Parts Textbook, One Part Love: A Recipe for Successful Teaching

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Most resource books for educators tend to be dry and out-dated. Louann Johnson, however, has a firm grasp of the students that are roaming the halls today. An excellent book, one that you will find hard to put down!

My only criticism of the book is that some of her techniques tend to be for high school students only. Her methods are not ones that could be used by elementary teachers or even those in the early grades of middle school.

I'm a first year teacher who was assigned this book for an Ed. course in college, and ended up buying her own copy! I love it, and have just started re-reading it in preparation for next school year. Why do I love it? Johnson is honest, her approach is no-frills and realistic, and yet she inspires and shows true commitment to her students. This book points out things you would never think of considering before stepping into the classroom, yet should. Johnson practically covers everything you need to know, and instead of telling you exactly how to be a cookie-cutter version of herself, she offers ways to take the way she does things and make them your own. This book is a real eye-opener, and should be taught to every new teacher before stepping into the classroom. Thank you for this book, Mrs. J! :) Laura (lilpace@aol.com)

This book is great to show you what you are doing right and a great reference to fix the things you are doing wrong. I believe this is a must for all new teachers -- and teachers who want to rejeuvenate their classroom.

I cannot rate this book highly enough! Since reading it, I have really thought about my whole approach to the classroom. I found Louanne Johnson to be down-to-earth and extremely practical, as well as amusing and at times touching. I keep on re-reading it, and every time I find some new gem! I am hoping there will be a sequel!

TEACHERS!

: If you watched 'Dangerous Minds' and scoffed at Michelle Pfeiffer subduing hundreds of unruly kids without a single eye-bag or chewed fingernail, or if you read LouAnne Johnson's other books and tried out some of her exercises in your own teaching, then this is the book you REALLY wanted, instead.

It's all tips and tricks and how-to-make-life-easier, and guess what? All of them WORK.

Johnson's book is the best book I've ever read for new high school teachers. So much of what I found out there when I was starting teaching was really only suitable for elementary teachers, like Harry Wong's _The First Days of School_. This book made me realize that the kids would respect me if I was the real me-- not the hardnose that I clearly was not-- and that it was possible to do this without getting trampled. This is an especially useful resource for English teachers in urban schools!

I am writing this review as a brand new, "fresh out of the bag" teacher in their first post. If there was ever a single book that enables you to survive through teacher training and during your first teaching post THIS HAS GOT TO BE IT!
The techniques may appear to some slightly "off the wall" but they work! The book is a source of insiration and comfort, and one that I will treasure upon my bookshelf.
To the author, words cannot express just how much help this one book has given me. Thank you - on behalf of my students and myself.
This book is not 5 STAR its 55 STARS ...

Two Parts Textbook, One Part Love is a wonderful book! I rarely the same book twice, but I fully intend to re-read this one in the future. It is very difficult for me to put it down, and I know I will be sad when it ends. I am a student who is preparing to become a teacher, and I have found that the advice in this book is very helpful. I will definitely share it with all of my friends who are already teachers as well as my friends who will become teachers. I began reading this book before I saw the movie Dangerous Minds. I also love the movie, as well. This is the first book by LouAnne Johnson that I have read, and I will definitely read all of her other books.

My favorite thing about this book is the way that Johnson uses her sense of humor to illustrate her points. I have often found myself bursting out in laughter in the middle of the night because I have thought about some of her stories. Whether you are a teacher or even if you are just thinking about becoming a teacher, I urge you to purchase this book.

Two Parts Textbook, One Part Love is a must have for all teachers' libraries. Teachers should take a part of this book with them to start their September school year. Her other book, School is Not a Four Letter Word, is a great book for parents of your students...recommend it at Back to School Night!

Beginning to experienced teachers will glean ideas of ways to set up and/or improve their classroom environment by reading Louanne Johnson's book. An experienced teacher herself, Johnson also has a psychology background and uses it to explain what works with students. She is positively oriented and covers everything from preparing yourself as a teacher to physical logistics, discipline, motivation, working with parents, time and energy savers, etc. I've taught elementary to university students over the years and am implementing some of her suggestions as school starts out this year. I'm so glad I found this book.