Classrooms That Work

about

books

workshops

schedule

contact


Classrooms

"Practical, hands-on, easy to read and put into practice. These strategies take the fight out of discipline and provide a calm workable approach"

- Stephen Massiah, Principal

"I learned how to implement a democratic classroom, to turn mistakes into learning opportunities, and to work with students' energies rather than against them."

- Geoff Green, Teacher

"This book fills an essential need in our schools today. It articulates a philosophy and
a framework for good teaching practices that build on principles of democracy, equality, self-discipline and consideration of others. It is essential reading for all teachers and principals, and should be part of the new curriculum."

- Dr. Mark Handley-Derry, M.A., M.B.B.S., D.C.H., F.R.C.P. eC), M.R.C.P.C.H. Consultant Pediatrician, Specialist In Developmental Pediatrics And Behavioral Problems In Children.

"Classrooms that Work is filled with wonderful strategies and practical advice."

- Jack Cronin, Associate Director Of Education

"An important blend of philosophy and technique for developing socially responsible learners."

- Jack Schnoor, Professor Emeritus Social Services Worker Program

Classrooms That Work A Teachers Guide to Discipline Without Stress
by: Stan Shapiro, Richard Skinulis & Karen Skinulis. 216 pages

Classrooms That Work is the result of over thirty years of work with teachers and principals on how to use a democratic approach to classroom discipline. We believe this approach is a perfect fit for where we are as a society and how we want to treat our students. The positive tools, principles and theories used in this book include:

Working with group dynamics to unite the different personalities of your classroom.

Encouraging students to work in partnership with teachers to solve problems together and create a harmonious classroom environment.

Maintaining classroom order by replacing outmoded rewards and punishments with positive communications skills, classroom meetings, logical and natural consequences, and encouragement.

Dealing with the classroom in transition – moving from an autocratic to a democratic environment.

Some of the common class management issues dealt with in Classrooms That Work include:

  • Academic problems
  • Class disruptions
  • Inappropriate behavior
  • Defiance
  • Withdrawal
  • Bullying
  • Social problems 
  • Low motivation

Chapters include:

  • The new classroom: Going democratic
  • Motivation from within
  • The encouraging teacher
  • Understanding behavior
  • What’s wrong with punishment and rewards?
  • Consequences: Taking responsibility for your choices
  • Building rapport
  • What to do the first day
  • The class meeting
  • The problem student
  • Academic problems
  • Problem solving and conflict resolution
  • Communication skills
  • Sociometry: The social relationship of the class

 

Download Exerpts from Classrooms That Work (PDF)

> Bullying

> Open & Closed Questions

> Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution

> The Encouraging Teacher

> What to Do The first Day


English $24.00 Can/U.S.
 
Back to Book List
Schools can order by fax or by mail with a purchase order. Teachers can order these books by mail and pay by cheque.
Send your purchase order, cheque or money order to
Classrooms That Work
5 Holly Drive, Richmond Hill, ON L4S 2P1 Canada. Our Fax number is 905 770 0606

© 2007, Classrooms That Work, All Rights Reserved