Synopses & Reviews
A revolutionary reappraisal of how to educate our children and young people by the New York Times bestselling author of The Element and Finding Your Element
Ken Robinson is one of the worlds most influential voices in education, and his 2006 TED Talk on the subject is the most viewed in the organizations history. Now, the internationally recognized leader on creativity and human potential focuses on one of the most critical issues of our time: how to transform the nations troubled educational system. At a time when standardized testing businesses are raking in huge profits, when many schools are struggling, and students and educators everywhere are suffering under the strain, Robinson points the way forward. He argues for an end to our outmoded industrial educational system and proposes a highly personalized, organic approach that draws on todays unprecedented technological and professional resources to engage all students, develop their love of learning, and enable them to face the real challenges of the twenty-first century. Filled with anecdotes, observations and recommendations from professionals on the front line of transformative education, case histories, and groundbreaking researchand written with Robinsons trademark wit and engaging styleCreative Schools will inspire teachers, parents, and policy makers alike to rethink the real nature and purpose of education.
Review
Praise for FINDING YOUR ELEMENT by Sir Ken Robinson
“A book that is as relevant and imperative for the parents of a 12-year-old as it is for the CEO of a behemoth corporation. And with luck it will help you to find yours.”—Vanity Fair
“Fans may glean some insight about understanding who we are as individuals and how we can have a better life that communicates our uniqueness to the world.”—Kirkus Reviews
“Finding Your Element is an accessible, actionable guide for discovering what most matters.”—New York Journal of Books
Review
Praise for THE ELEMENT by Sir Ken Robinson
"Offers life-altering insights about the discovery of your true best self."--Stephen R. Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People
"There is a powerful driving force inside every human being that, once unleashed, can make any vision, any dream, a reality. The Element captures that force with passion and insight."--Tony Robbins, author of Awaken the Giant Within
"The Element is another reminder of why Sir Ken Robinson is one of America's finest imports. With a crackling wit and deep humanity, he urges us to ignore the naysayers, bypass the crowd, and find the place where our talents and desires intersect. This is a truly inspiring book."--Daniel Pink, author of Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us
"Ken Robinson presents the theme of creativity and innovation in a way that makes you want to go out and make your dreams a reality. In his wonderfully easy-to-read and entertaining style he presents the stories of many who have done just that...It is a book that lightens and lifts the minds and hearts of all who read it."--Susan Jeffers, Ph.D, bestselling author of Feel the Fear and DO it Anyway and Life is Huge!
Review
Praise for
Creative Schools “Creative Schools is one of those rare books that not only inspires and brings a new sense of possibility to the goal of transforming education, but also lays out an actionable strategy. Ken Robinson is leading a daring revolution to change how we understand schools, learning, and most importantly, the passion and talent of our students. This is a global game-changer and I'm in.” —BRENÉ BROWN, PH.D., author of the #1 New York Times bestseller Daring Greatly “Creative Schools is wonderful and enjoyable. It makes us rethink what real schooling, learning, and creativity means.” — MALALA YOUSAFZAI, author of I Am Malala and Nobel Prize Laureate "Ken Robinsons Creative Schools offers a brilliant and compelling vision for what education must become. His powerful call to action cites wonderful examples where the education of the future is happening today. Dont miss this important book!” — TONY WAGNER, author of Creating Innovators and The Global Achievement Gap and Expert In Residence at Harvard Universitys Innovation Lab “Make me care. Sir Ken and Lou turn these three words into a mantra for the future of education. We don't do education to students, we do it with them. I hope every teacher and every parent reads this.” — SETH GODIN, author of Stop Stealing Dreams "Sir Ken Robinson has been a leading voice for radical change in education for decades. In Creative Schools, he not only articulately defines the problem, but also provides a practical roadmap for transforming the system one school at a time. Far from being a pipe dream, Sir Ken Robinson highlights educators who are leading the charge and revolutionizing education NOW." —DAVE BURGESS, New York Times bestselling author of Teach Like a PIRATE: Increase Student Engagement, Boost Your Creativity, and Transform Your Life as an Educator “From the pen of the world's expert on creativity comes a comprehensive and compelling statement of why creativity matters for everyone, what it looks like in action, what kinds of curriculum and assessment systems are needed to support it, and how to get there. Inspiring and so readable you will feel Sir Ken is talking directly to you.” — ANDY HARGREAVES, author of Professional Capital and Thomas More Brennan Chair at Boston Colleges Lynch School of Education “Ken Robinson is the worlds most potent advocate of global education transformation; his clarity, passion and insight have inspired millions, including me. This book is not only a catalyst, or call to action; it is a manifesto; a practical exploration and celebration of what is possible. Now its up to us; we must read, react and accelerate the revolution.” — RICHARD GERVER, author of Creating Tomorrows Schools Today “Sir Ken Robinson does it again with this compelling book. His explanations and examples are spot on. As Creative Schools shows, theres no denying the change is occurring.” — ELLIOT WASHOR, Co-Founder of Big Picture Learning and author of Leaving to Learn “Forget the chatter about disruptive technological and economic forces in education. Ken Robinson and Lou Aronica vividly describe the disruptions that are needed if we are to have quality education in our time.” — HOWARD GARDNER, author of Five Minds for the Future “This is the book we have been waiting for from Sir Ken Robinson —laying out what is fundamentally wrong with our education systems, and correspondingly showing what and how it should and could be different. He makes creativity, and much more, come alive. Dont start reading this book unless you have three hours before you, as you will have difficulty putting it down. Then, think about what you might do and re-read the book with others to start making the changes. Creative schools indeed! The timing is perfect.” — MICHAEL FULLAN, OC. Professor Emeritus, OISE/University of Toronto and author of The Principal: Three Keys to Maximizing Impact “This book is a wake-up call to the emerging global human resources crisis. Increasing boredom, disengagement and dropouts among students have become chronic aspects of many school systems around the world. Creative Schools is a must-read for anyone who is interested in critique, vision, and theory of change for the new course of schooling.” — PASI SAHLBERG, author of Finnish Lessons 2.0: What can the world learn from educational change in Finland
Review
"Esquith is a modern-day Thoreau, preaching the value of good work, honest self- reflection, and the courage to go one's own way."
-Newsday
"Politicians, burbling over how to educate the underclass, would do well to stop by Rafe Esquith's fifth-grade class."
-Time
"The most interesting and influential classroom teacher in the country."
-The Washington Post
Synopsis
A revolutionary reappraisal of how to educate our children and young people by Ken Robinson, the New York Times bestselling author of The Element and Finding Your Element. You, Your Child, and School is forthcoming from Viking. Ken Robinson is one of the world's most influential voices in education, and his 2006 TED Talk on the subject is the most viewed in the organization's history. Now, the internationally recognized leader on creativity and human potential focuses on one of the most critical issues of our time: how to transform the nation's troubled educational system. At a time when standardized testing businesses are raking in huge profits, when many schools are struggling, and students and educators everywhere are suffering under the strain, Robinson points the way forward. He argues for an end to our outmoded industrial educational system and proposes a highly personalized, organic approach that draws on today's unprecedented technological and professional resources to engage all students, develop their love of learning, and enable them to face the real challenges of the twenty-first century. Filled with anecdotes, observations and recommendations from professionals on the front line of transformative education, case histories, and groundbreaking research--and written with Robinson's trademark wit and engaging style--Creative Schools will inspire teachers, parents, and policy makers alike to rethink the real nature and purpose of education.
Synopsis
The New York Times bestselling author of The Element gives readers an inspirational and practical guide to self-improvement, happiness, creativity, and personal transformation
Sir Ken Robinsons TED talk video and groundbreaking book, The Element, introduced readers to a new concept of self-fulfillment through the convergence of natural talents and personal passions. The Element has inspired readers all over the world and has created for Robinson an intensely devoted following. Now comes the long-awaited companion, the practical guide that helps people find their own Element. Among the questions that this new book answers are:
- How do I find out what my talents and passions are?
- What if I love something Im not good at?
- What if Im good at something I dont love?
- What if I cant make a living from my Element?
- How do I do help my children find their Element?
Finding Your Element comes at a critical time as concerns about the economy, education and the environment continue to grow. The need to connect to our personal talents and passions has never been greater. As Robinson writes in his introduction, wherever you are, whatever you do, and no matter how old you are, if youre searching for your Element, this book is for you.
Synopsis
Read Rafe Esquith's posts on the Penguin Blog. The New York Times bestseller that is revolutionizing the way Americans educate their kids-"Rafe Esquith is a genius and a saint" (The New York Times)
Perhaps the most famous fifth-grade teacher in America, Rafe Esquith has won numerous awards and even honorary citizenship in the British Empire for his outstandingly successful methods. In his Los Angeles public school classroom, he helps impoverished immigrant children understand Shakespeare, play Vivaldi, and become happy, self-confident people. This bestseller gives any teacher or parent all the techniques, exercises, and innovations that have made its author an educational icon, from personal codes of behavior to tips on tackling literature and algebra. The result is a powerful book for anyone concerned about the future of our children.
About the Author
Rafe Esquith has taught at Hobart Elementary School for twenty-two years. He is the only teacher in history to receive the National Medal of Arts. He has also been made a Member of the British Empire by Queen Elizabeth. His many other honors include the American Teacher Award, Parents magazineandrsquo;s As You Grow Award, Oprah Winfreyandrsquo;s Use Your Life Award, and the Compassion in Action Award from the Dalai Lama. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife, Barbara Tong. Read CBS's news story on Rafe Esquith.
Table of Contents
Teach Like Your Hair's On Fire
Prologue: Fire in the Classroom Part One: There's No Place Like Home
One: Gimme Some Truth
Two: Searching for Level VI
Part Two: The Method
Three: Reading for Life
Four: Writing
Five: Add It Up
Six: We Won't Get Fooled Again
Seven: What a Wonderful World
Eight: Rocket Man
Nine: Art Lover
Ten: Put Me In, Coach
Eleven: Taxman
Part Three: The Madness
Twelve: Think for Yourself
Thirteen: Celluloid Heroes
Fourteen: Goin' Mobile
Fifteen: It's Only Rock 'n' Roll (but I Like It)
Sixteen: Do They Know It's Christmas?
Seventeen: Will Power
Epilogue: Rest in Peace
Acknowledgments
Appendixes