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I am an elementary school principal (grades 4-5) and curriculum director (grades PK-12) for a district of about 1840 students. I attended four of your presentations. At the beginning of the year staff meeting I shared the story 'What does a teacher make?' from your A to Z book. I also shared with my son who will be a sophomore at the University of Iowa the chart of Amateur vs. Pro Learners. He recognized that he was an amateur the beginning of last school and by the end of the school year he had become more of a professional learner (learned survival skills). Thanks again for sharing. I would probably say your presentations were a high point for me - especially someone who can 'most of the time' see the big picture. I love your book!! Thanks for your help. Sue Ruch, Principal, Adams Elementary School
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I so enjoyed your approach... away from gimmicks designed to improve test scores and back to stressing that the best way to improve reading is BY reading. Thanks for reminding me of what I already knew! Marsha Yoder National Board Certified EA/Social Studies-History Lawton Chiles Middle Academy
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It has been a while since I have read a professional book that has excited me as much as Blackburn's Classroom Motivation from A to Z. Every chapter is filled with practical information and suggestions for all grade levels. Blackburn shares ideas appropriate for today's diverse school populations. Carolyn Dewalt, Assistant Principal, New Hope Elementary School
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Hi Barbara Have read most of your book and it is really, really good. I am using the B & C chapters tonight in my class. I teach 34 Physical Education students - Reading in the content area. We are talking about motivation and assessment tonight and this fits in beautifully. -College Professor, Virginia
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The specific examples are the real strength of these books. They speak to both new and veteran teachers. All readers will find new and very practical ideas. Frank Buck, Curriculum Director, Talladega City Schools
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Hi, I was cleaning up this morning and I came across the 'x-factor' chapter from your book. As you may know I am in a new teaching position this year and I am adjusting. It was good to read something motivational and positive. Thanks for sharing your writing with me. National Board Certified Teacher with 20 years experience
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'Author/Speaker Dr. Blackburn is focused on excellence. Her persistence and dedication to getting the right things done continues to impress.I read her book with great interest, and recommend it to ANY teachers I know and meet.' Jason Womack, former teacher, current speaker and executive coach |
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I am currently reading your book for our book club at school. I teach second grade. I was having trouble getting my students on task, but when I read in your book catch them doing something good, I tried it. I commented only on positive behavior and not only did my students respond better, but I felt happier and had a better, successful day. I think that your book is wonderful. Kimberly Ross, Grade Two Teacher
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I had a frustrating day on Monday, so I decided that everyday I was going to go home and write down 5 positive things that happened to remind me of the good. Just let me tell you one of my five things the other day: I have been working on problem solving with my 6th graders--They let me know from the beginning that they HATE problem solving. So I have this whole method where they highlight important facts and we throw unneeded facts into the trash can and all that stuff--Well, one of my kids came in the other day and said 'Do we get to do problem solving today?' (first of all he said GET and not HAVE to) Well-I had planned something else for that day-so I said we would do it tomorrow and he goes 'Aw man-that stuff is fun.' I said 'Did you just say problem solving is fun?' He just looked and smiled. It was the cutest thing! Christy
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With the letters, I wrote on the board for the kids to write why they had the most successful year in Mr. Webb's Social Studies class. This was the second day of school and all I had talked to them about were my rules and school rules, I had not yet done any introduction activities. I told them they only needed to write a short paragraph, not a novel, but most wrote a half page, some wrote more. Some of the things they wrote about were not getting into any trouble, how they got into trouble and got bad grades in 6th and 7th grade and that did not happen this year, etc. It was a great activity because I got to know my students early on, and I think the kids really appreciated starting off on the right foot. Sort of like Harry Wong says, this is one of those early activities that will determine the type of year I will have, so far so good. I plan on keeping their letters in a file, and if students start to slip up with grades or behavior, I can pull the letter out and talk to them about it before there is a negative consequence. Chris Webb
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This book is uplifting and encouraging. This author has been in the trenches, has faced the same challenges as the reader, and has practical solutions based on first-hand experiences. Frank Buck, Principal, Talledega, AL
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I just wanted to drop you a note to say how much I enjoyed reading your book on classroom motivation. I have recommended it to my staff and plan to get it for my leadership team before the year ends. I truly appreciate the story of your journey and the ideas you shared that were personal and also those from folks who are serving in classrooms. I also appreciate that fact that you shared student reflections because we can never forget they are why we do what we do. I look forward to your future books and to hearing you speak again, hopefully soon. Be well and keep up the great work! Rita Mantooth, Greenville Public Schools, Greenville, SC
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I was very impressed with the workshop on motivating teachers. I felt your presentation was relaxed, non-threatening to participants and full of ideas to use in classrooms. You interacted with participants, answered questions, gave time for interaction and kept the workshop moving along. I cannot wait to work out a date for you to come work with our teachers. You have a wealth of information to offer that is practical and useful. George E. York, Principal, Ohio
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Barbara Blackburn's book is a compendium of current research, shared stories, excellent advice, thought-provoking questions, and a common-sense approach to motivating students. This deceptively simple book is a straightforward look at teaching that should be required reading for every education major. Buy it as a gift to inspire a new teacher or as an affirmation to a veteran. It is absolutely wonderful. Debbie Silver, Ed.D, author of Drumming to the Beat of Different Marchers
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Classroom Motivation is a fabulous book. Even though it is aimed at the traditional classroom education setup, I've been making good use of it for my 'online classroom'. In particular, with the way I create my e-learning tutorials. I may not be able to see my 'students', but at least I know that the training material they are using is top-notch! Also, I am Home Schooling my 12 year old daughter, which is an exciting challenge for the both of us. Your book is proving extremely helpful for this situation too. Barry G. Galvin, Content Consultant
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This was a GREAT book! I only wish I had it in my hands on the first day of school. Amanda Markley, First Year Social Studies Teacher, Kennedy Middle School, North Carolina
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I love the book and am particularly drawn to how easy it is to use and apply in a variety of situations and circumstances. The examples, advanced organizers, references and positive viewpoints are right in line with the needs of busy educators from all levels. My sticky notes continue to emerge from points throughout the text. A great source that is never too far from my desk or briefcase. Thanks Barbara!! Mike McElrath, Jamestown Public Schools, New York
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I am finding that your book takes our student engagement emphasis to a higher level. I am excited to learn about the support activities that will become available. I am going to order a book for each staff member so that we can use it as a professional development focus. Everything we do at HSE revolves around the quote by Thomas Sergiovanni, 'They will not care how much you know until they know how much you care.' Sheri Watson, Principal, Heath Springs Elementary School
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