Pencils Down! is packed with lessons that work, enrichment activities based on beloved children's books, school humor, and sage advice ready to be used by anyone who desires to instill a love of learning in a child. It is hoped that by engaging in the activities, every child can learn to love books and appreciate the extended benefits of lifelong literacy.
The ideas presented in Pencils Down! are written for all educators: veteran, novice, substitute and student teachers, parents who home-school, college and university professors, as well as for anyone who has a child in his or her care. It is my sincere hope that all educators reading this book will find some fresh insight into the wonderful profession of teaching. Pencils Down! will take you on a journey whose itinerary begins in elementary school and spans more than four decades. I have taken that journey at the head of the class.
Excerpt
Meet a teacher who teaches fractions by biting a student in half. Discover a simple alphabet book that teaches the ABC’s in a fun way. A cookie-loving mouse, a pancake-loving piglet, and a muffin-loving moose will all teach important lessons. A big bad wolf will try to convince you of his innocence. A little boy who is flattened like a pancake, and can travel the world in an envelope, will encourage you to send him on other travels. A school building was accidentally constructed vertically instead of horizontally, and in this mixed up school you will meet some very mixed up students. Your students will be on board the day the Mayflower makes its maiden voyage. You are sure to sympathize with the girl who believes someone has put a math curse on her. Part Four concludes with a guide to help teachers evaluate their own lessons.
Professional Reviews
A twenty-two year NY veteran school librarian wrote-
"Dear Paula,
I loved your book. The writing was very clever and the contents will be
extremely useful to teachers who seek to instill the love of reading in
children. I wish I had had your wonderful book in my hand to guide me when I first started as a school librarian, I might not have been so clueless that first year. Paula, your book deserves to be on every teacher’s desk. Every teacher on every level will benefit from your experience. I commend you for donating the profit from your book to Cancer Research, a most worthy cause." Pat Friedman
A thirty-year NY elementary school teacher wrote-
"Paula,
I hope that all elementary education majors read this as part of their requirements.In a perfect world, all new teachers should read your book the summer before they start teaching.Those already teaching, should have this invaluable tool at their disposal when looking for unique lessons that really work.Will there be a sequel?" Adrienne Rosen
The former assistant superintendent for the Los Angeles Unified School District wrote-
"Paula,
Your book, Pencils Down! is absolutely wonderful. It will leave its mark on education in this
country, I'm sure. This book is beautifully written. You are a masterly writer, with a genuine affection for children.Keep going." Venetta Whitaker
Children will enjoy reading and hearing about the silly antics of a puppy still learning how to be a good listener. This story is about Riley, a cute, little, rescue puppy who gets into all sorts of predicaments.
