Choice Words

This book does a good job, with direct classroom observations as examples, of showing what a difference a teacher makes in developing student thinking processes. In the good old days of the "three R's," Readin', Writin', and 'Rithmetic," students were rewarded for knowing the right answer. And it is true that you can't think without some stored knowledge, including bare facts, with which to do the cogitating. Readers may think, "There's nothing new here," or "I've been doing that," but they may also be reminded how students are influenced in how they respond to life's problems and challenges. The book also makes clear the ways that teachers can give student classroom approval without making that student a "teacher's pet" to his/her peers. How to co-operate in groups and learning pairs can be encouraged and facilitated with the well-chosen teacher's comments and questions. Reading the book will remind you of what you know and possibly practice, and put it all in perspective. The difference between the teacher as Fount of All Knowledge and the teacher who helps children develop intellectual curiosity is a strong point made throughout.  Teach the Way the Brain Learns: Curriculum Themes Build Neuron Networks

This book has countless useful lessons for communicating and teaching more effectively. The audiobook read by the author is wonderful as well, and you really learn from the tone and delivery of the author. The teachings in this book really can be applied anywhere: classroom, home, office, etc, etc. Overall, it's a short read, so don't regret missing this gem.

Our school administration asked us to read "Choice Words" for the second time. The reason is because we have new people and they encouraged the faculty to direct this book not only in how we interact in speaking with our students but with each other. On a personal side this is a good book for parents . My youngest is 15 years old, and I can now see how to use "choice words" instead of saying....I want to "pimp slap you" for what you just said to me!

As a twenty + year teacher, there was much to learn from Mr. Johnston. His book is equal parts insightful, fascinating, and very humorous. He assists educators in discovering how to help pupils learn to think for themselves (through specific words and phrases used in all sorts of instructional situations). Some of it is a bit manipulative, but every parent on planet Earth manipulates through language. The difference here is that a Choice Words philosophy leads children (somewhat forcefully) to discover internal paths to educating oneself intelligently in a world saturated with endless data. I highlighted about half of this book!

I had this title on my "to read" list for quite some time and finally got around to it to while taking a writing class. I found the author's argument and sentence starters helpful in being mindful about how we and students use language to develop agency and establish identity. Johnston's strategies could be used narrowly in writing workshop or more broadly when working with students in any capacity. Great resource, written in an accessible engaging style and a short read.

This book offers helpful, concrete ways to shift your comments toward students so that they give the students more agency and investment in their own learning. While many of the examples are from elementary classrooms, the types of dialogue themselves are completely transferable to the secondary world (as a high school English teacher, I know I can make use of them in my own classroom). Strongly recommend!

This book is a really great- short read book. It's small, concise, and to the point. For those teachers who don't have a lot of time (all of them), this is a good book to use to spend time in reflective practices. What we say to our students has a tremendous impact, make sure your words are powerful and up-lifting. This book also helped my speak kinder to others outside of school, it was a great life-reminder to be gracious in our speech.

I bought Choice words because it was mentioned in another book I was reading. I was very glad I did. Peter Johnston shares with us teachers' instructional talk, tells us why its important and how it enhances student learning. With the Common Core State Standards on the way and the level of interaction and higher level thinking that will be required, this book is a must read.

Fascinating book. Really useful for teaching children

While I have always known that language plays an important part in teaching and dealing with students, this book make me realise how with tiny shifts in the way we speak and interact with our students can make such a huge impact.

Didn't learn a lot from this book..lack of practical examples

This book is exactly what I ordered. High-quality print and arrived undamaged. Brand new item. I'm happy!

As a classroom teacher I interact with young minds on a daily basis. Peter Johnston challenges his reader to really think about the power of their words to create success or failure.