Teaching Outside the Box: How to Grab your students by their Brains (Second Edition) by LouAnne Johnson is out. Whenever I’m asked for good teaching books by new and veteran teachers I always come back to this book. LouAnne gives teachers a great practical resource for:
- Classroom management/climate
- Preparing your classroom and yourself
- Ways to motivate your students
- Inspiration
But it isn’t just about that. Her book is inspirational, it inspires you to be the best teacher you can be and to always focus on the end product: successful students. The underlying message is that your classroom climate and high expectations have a huge impact on students. Throughout she gives candid advice and ideas that any teacher can take and use tomorrow in their classrooms and with specific students.
LouAnne Johnson’s philosophy is:
When students believe that success is possible, they will try. So my first priority in any class is to help my students believe in themselves and their ability to learn. (introduction)
Whether you are just starting out, or have been in the classroom for many years, this book is a must read. It will give you ideas, solutions, inspiration, and renew your belief that truly all students can learn given the right environment to do so.
Hi – thanks so much for the good words about the book. The new revised edition has two completely new chapters — one about the connection between light and learning and one about the effects of food (and non-food) on brains and learning. I welcome your feedback, as always. LouAnne
Thanks for the comment LouAnne, your new edition doesn’t stay long on my book shelf- since I’m always loaning it to new and veteran teachers. You are an inspiration to us all, thanks for sharing your experiences and success stories. We are all better for it.