Because We Can Change the World : A Practical Guide to Building Cooperative, Inclusive Classroom Communities

by Sapon-Shevin, Mara

• ISBN13: 9780205174898
• ISBN10: 0205174892
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-01-01
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon

Summary

With the increase of diverse students in all classrooms, pre-service and in-service teachers often find themselves overwhelmed with how to provide a quality learning community that is inclusive of all students. This book delivers hope, promise, and practical goals for teachers who wish to create a warm, respectful, and nurturing learning environment for their students, that will, in turn, inspire students to make a difference in their classroom community and the world beyond. Discussing theory through vignettes and presenting practical activities, the book helps teachers show children how to understand and accept differences among themselves and in the world in a way that empowers them to make a difference.This book includes practical strategies for teachers, including cooperative games, children's literature selections and activities, and songs which establish a supportive environment. Includes ideas on handling teasing, bullying, and exclusion, also how to handle hard topics such as racism, poverty, differences in families, and students with disabilities.For pre-service and in-service teachers, educators, and administrators in the areas of early childhood, elementary, special education, and multicultural and diversity education.

Table of Contents

Preface	xi	(4)
Acknowledgments	xv
Introduction: Civics-An Agenda for Our Schools	1	(14)
Courage	2	(2)
Inclusion	4	(3)
Value	7	(1)
Integrity	8	(3)
Cooperation	11	(2)
Safety	13	(2)
1 Schools as Communities	15	(19)
The Vision	15	(3)
Challenges to the Vision	18	(5)
How to Begin	23	(8)
Links to the Curriculum	31	(1)
Is This Working?	31	(3)
2 Sharing Ourselves with Others	34	(14)
The Vision	35	(1)
Challenges to the Vision	36	(1)
How to Begin	37	(9)
Links to the Curriculum	46	(1)
Is This Working?	47	(1)
3 Knowing Others Well	48	(14)
The Vision	48	(1)
Challenges to the Vision	49	(2)
How to Begin	51	(9)
Links to the Curriculum	60	(1)
Is This Working?	61	(1)
4 Places Where We All Belong	62	(24)
The Vision	62	(5)
Challenges to the Vision	67	(3)
How to Begin	70	(14)
Links to the Curriculum	84	(1)
Is This Working?	84	(2)
5 Setting Goals and Giving and Getting Support	86	(28)
The Vision	86	(3)
Challenges to the Vision	89	(1)
How to Begin	90	(22)
Links to the Curriculum	112	(1)
Is This Working?	113	(1)
6 Working Together to Learn	114	(42)
The Vision	115	(5)
Challenges to the Vision	120	(6)
How to Begin	126	(28)
Links to the Curriculum	154	(1)
Is This Working?	155	(1)
7 Speaking the Truth and Acting Powerfully	156	(41)
The Vision	156	(5)
Challenges to the Vision	161	(3)
How to Begin	164	(29)
Links to the Curriculum	193	(2)
Is This Working?	195	(2)
Final Thoughts: First Steps for New Beginnings	197	(5)
References	202	(3)
Children's Books	205	(3)
Song Appendix	208	(44)
Resources	252	(7)
Music	252	(2)
Community Building in Classrooms	254	(1)
Cooperative Learning and Inclusive Teaching	254	(1)
Creative Conflict Resolution	255	(1)
Cooperative Play and Games	255	(1)
Social Justice and Diversity Issues	256	(3)
Song Index	259	(2)
Game/Activity Index	261