Synopses & Reviews
Since its initial publication in hardcover in 2003,
Fires in the Bathroom has been through multiple printings and received the attention of teachers across the country. Now in paperback, Kathleen Cushmans groundbreaking book offers original insights into teaching teenagers in todays hard-pressed urban high schools from the point of view of the students themselves. It speaks to both new and established teachers, giving them firsthand information about who their students are and what they need to succeed.
Students from across the country contributed perceptive and pragmatic answers to questions of how teachers can transcend the barriers of adolescent identity and culture to reach the diverse student body in todays urban schools. With the fresh and often surprising perspectives of youth, they tackle tough issues such as increasing engagement and motivation, teaching difficult academic material, reaching English-language learners, and creating a classroom culture where respect and success go hand in hand.
Review
"This chance to hear authentic voices of students should not be overlooked by anyone involved in teen education."
—Publishers Weekly
"In this book, students get a rare opportunity to voice their opinions about what works and what doesnt in the classroom."
—The Los Angeles Times
"This book turns the student teacher relationship upside down. . . . The bits of advice suggest ways to deepen the unspoken bond between students and teachers."
—The Chicago Tribune
"[Turns] the tables on adults and tells them how to do their jobs."
—The New York Times
Review
"In
Fires in the Bathroom. . . students turn the tables on adults, and tell them how to do their jobs."
New York Times
"An important book . . . a powerful critique of American teaching . . . Fires in the Bathroom should find a place in any professional development library. . . The student voices give its advice . . . an authenticity and a sincerity that advice books for teachers often lack . . . A powerful and compelling document . . . A major contribution."
Teachers College Record
"Fires in the Bathroom doles out practical advice . . . [in] an unusual . . . effort to tap the opinions of American high school students . . . Students get a rare opportunity to voice their opinions about what works and what doesnt.”
Los Angeles Times
"This book turns the student-teacher relationship upside down . . . Suggests ways to deepen the unspoken bond between students and teachers.”
Chicago Tribune, Editors Choice
"This chance to hear the authentic voice of students . . . should not be overlooked by anyone involved in teen education."
Publishers Weekly
"Thoughtful and articulate . . . offer[s] insights about a range of school-related subjects, including classroom behavior, student motivation, and learning style."
Teacher Magazine
"Fires in the Bathroom is a must for everyone concerned about our children and our schools . . . A wealth of information that can be put to immediate use . . . Treat yourself to this powerful new tool!"
Connections Magazine
Synopsis
AN INVALUABLE GUIDE TO TEACHING TEENAGERS. FEATURING THE UNCENSORED ADVICE OF THE STUDENTS THEMSELVES, WITH AN INTRODUCTION BY THE BESTSELLING EDUCATOR LISA DELPIT This innovative approach to teaching teenagers comes from the point of view of students in today's hard-pressed urban high schools, where the teacher shortage has reached crisis proportions. It speaks to both new and established teachers, giving them first-hand information about who their students are and what they need to succeed. Forty students from three cities contributed perceptive and pragmatic answers to questions of how teachers can transcend the barriers of adolescent identity and culture to reach the diverse pupils in today's urban schools. Their responses are grouped into chapters on increasing engagement and motivation, teaching difficult academic material, reaching English language learners, and creating a classroom cultures where respect and success go hand in hand.
Synopsis
With an authority that shimmers, a torrent of sensible, honest observations and ideas out of the mouths of babes/experts...If ever there was an authentic plea to make our high schools human and human scale, this is it. A book for everyone who teaches, veteran as well as beginner, to read and to ponder.
Synopsis
Concrete, specific, engaging...useful for busy classroom teachers.
About the Author
Kathleen Cushman is the author of Fires in the Middle School Bathroom(The New Press). As a writer for What Kids Can Do, Inc., a national nonprofit organization, she works to bring forward the voices of student writers around the nation.She lives in New York City.
Table of Contents
ContentsPreface ix
And then they set fires in the bathroom,
while she was trying to be so friendly.”
Introduction by Lisa Delpit xv
Wanted: One teacher. Must be able to
listen, even when mad.”
1. Knowing Students Well 1
If you pay attention, you can see it.”
2. Respect, Liking, Trust, and Fairness 17
If you see the teacher respect students,
youll follow that role model.”
3. Classroom Behavior 36
A lot of people are afraid of teenagers.
They think we are these freak humans.”
4. Creating a Culture of Success 62
He just pushed me to keep my head outa them boys
and into the books.”
5. Teaching to the Individual, Working with the Group 85
One job of a teacher is to be fair to all.
Dont expect the work of one student from another.”
6. Motivation and Boredom 100
Just saying you need to pass math isnt enough.
Show me how knowing pi is worth something.”
7. Teaching Difficult Academic Material 123
She snatches history from the past and
puts it in my backyard.”
8. Teaching Teenagers Who Are Still Learning English 145
Sometimes I dont know how to express who I am.”
9. When Things Go Wrong 162
Try your best, dont give up.”
10. Going Beyond the Classroom 175
It was more fun than in the classroom
and we learned it, too.”
Afterword: How We Wrote This Bookand Why It Matters 184
Has anyone ever asked you questions like this before?”
Resources for Teachers 191
Acknowledgments 193
The Students: Brief Biographies 196
Index 199