"Outstanding! . . . a great guide for teachers who want to succeed with
every student they teach." --William Glasser
Teachers everywhere face the daily challenge of engaging students whose
knowledge, skills, needs, and temperaments vary greatly. How does a
teacher establish a learning environment that supports the class as a
whole while meeting the particular needs of individual students?
Teacher Jonathan C. Erwin believes the answer lies in offering real
opportunities to students rather than throwing up the obstacles inherent
in traditional discipline and motivation techniques. At the heart of his
approach are the five basic human needs of William Glasser's Choice
Theory: survival and security, love and belonging, power through
cooperation and competency, freedom, and fun. By understanding and
attending to these needs, teachers can customize and manage a classroom
environment where students learn to motivate and monitor themselves.
Drawing on theories and practices from experts in a variety of learning
techniques, Erwin explores each of the five basic needs to create nearly
200 adaptable strategies for teaching and classroom management at any
grade level. Readers will find dozens of ideas for helping students make
positive changes, including
* Improving their work habits,
* Connecting curriculum with individual interests,
* Opening lines of communication with teachers and other students,
* Boosting self-worth through accomplishment, and
* Supporting their classmates in cooperative work.
Erwin ties everything together in a unit guide that allows teachers to
develop a classroom profile based on the needs of individual students.
The guide can be used with any district planning approach or curriculum.
For teachers seeking a win-win situation in managing their classrooms,
The Classroom of Choice is an excellent aid in creating a learning
environment in which students and teachers approach each day with energy
and enthusiasm.