The strategies and materials presented here provide the best of whole language and phonics instruction for setting up an appropriate, well-paced reading program that meets the needs of individual students, small groups, or the entire class, grades K-8. For quick and easy access, the Kit is organized into eight sections and includes such practical information as: * Over 80 stimulating hands-on games and activity sheets to build students' skills in letter-name knowledge, sight word recognition, word structure, and more. * Up-to-date information and materials for teaching reading to students with special needs * Comprehensive lists of fiction and nonfiction trade books that reinforce the learning of essential reading skills

"I wish I′d had this useful desktop guide to help me through the challenges of my early years and as a reference guide for the later years. The authors have done a remarkable job of anticipating the daily needs of principals and offering practical suggestions that can be used within minutes! This book is eminently useful, up-to-date, and full of rich professional perspectives." —Ella Reiss Urdang, Elementary Principal Tenafly, NJ Public Schools "The school leader′s position is often the loneliest position in any school, but this excellent resource is the equivalent of having a mentor 24/7. This book should accompany all newly appointed school leaders into their new positions." —Neil MacNeill, Principal Ellenbrook Primary School, WA, Australia Creative, real-world approaches for responding to the fast-changing demands of school leadership! Designed for the busy administrator, The Survival Kit for the Elementary School Principal addresses daily challenges faced by all elementary school principals and offers expert solutions for virtually any leadership or administrative issue. Based on the authors′ extensive experiences in public and private schools, this easy-to-use kit includes time-saving forms, sample letters, charts, and checklists for successful day-to-day school administration. The book is a complete desktop reference with solutions for immediate problems or challenges. The authors′ pragmatic, tested strategies assist readers with: Systems thinking Negotiating the maze of NCLB requirements Using data to inform practice Understanding the key role that new technologies play in schools Succeeding as leaders, arbitrators, evaluators, disciplinarians, and more Gathering support through positive parent and community relations Suitable for diverse settings and school sizes, this comprehensive resource is a virtual library of essential information and support for effective elementary school leadership. All forms, letters, and checklists available online upon publication.

A lot can happen with 10 minutes of musical practice a day. Self-disciplined, compassionate, responsible, collaborative, confidant, and proud. These are all characteristics of children who play musical instruments. What's more, the benefits of music education reach far beyond the lesson and well into all aspects of adulthood.This book will help your child reap the rewards of opening that case; together, you will learn what music can teach:* Every child is naturally talented.* Consistent practice is the key to success.* Parents and music educators are partners in the learning process.* How to remove barriers to successful practice.* The importance of giving your child ownership of their learning.With the right approach, your child will do much more than grow in musical proficiency, they will become the person they were meant to be.

For the new and veteran elementary school principal, here is a unique "survival kit" packed with tested advice, practical guidelines, and ready-to-use materials for all aspects of your job. From the perspective of an author with twnty-five years experience, this book offers techniques such as creating a school vision, building and sustaining morale, utilizing technology, and long-term, strategic school planning. The included companion CD-ROM serves as the perfect enhancement to this book. This time saving device contains all of the book's forms, checklists and letters for easy print out and use.

"This book examines sophisticated paradigms from academic narratives and educational realities"--

The much-awaited second edition! Study abroad has never been so popular. Students are embarking on life-changing adventures, and they need some tried and true advice. The Exchange Student Survival Kit has become the essential guide for young people traveling abroad, helping them better understand the unique experience of international exchange programs. More important, it shows students how to avoid many common misunderstandings and problems that can occur in the course of their adjustment to a new culture, a new family, a new school and a new community. Based on her years of research and professional involvement with AFS Intercultural Programs, Dr. Hansel has filled the book with examples taken from the experiences of dozens of exchange students from a broad spectrum of cultures. This much-awaited new edition includes: - New communications technology as it affects the experience: e-mail, instant messaging, cell phones, online games and blogs and information searches. - Important advice on personal safety and pressing concerns for parents and students in light of war, terrorism and crime. - Changes in society and family life that affect travelers: fast food replacing family meals, a new emphasis on religious beliefs, consumerism and globalism. For students going abroad, the Survival Kit is the first thing to pack!