Fires in the Bathroom : Advice for Teachers from High School Students

by Cushman, Kathleen

• ISBN13: 9781565849969
• ISBN10: 1565849965
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2005-09-01
• Publisher: New Pr

Summary

The acclaimed book of practical advice from students to their teachers. 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 Cushman's groundbreaking book offers original insights into teaching teenagers in today's 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 today's 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.

Table of Contents

Preface	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	(16)
"If you pay attention, you can see it."
2. Respect, Liking, Trust, and Fairness	17	(19)
"If you see the teacher respect students, you'll follow that role model."
3. Classroom Behavior	36	(26)
"A lot of people are afraid of teenagers. They think we are these freak humans."
4. Creating a Culture of Success	62	(23)
"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	(15)
"One job of a teacher is to be fair to all. Don't expect the work of one student from another."
6. Motivation and Boredom	100	(23)
"Just saying you need to pass math isn't enough. Show me how knowing pi is worth something."
7. Teaching Difficult Academic Material	123	(22)
"She snatches history from the past and puts it in my backyard."
8. Teaching Teenagers Who Are Still Learning English	145	(17)
"Sometimes I don't know how to express who I am."
9. When Things Go Wrong	162	(13)
"Try your best, don't give up."
10. Going Beyond the Classroom	175	(9)
"It was more fun than in the classroom-and we learned it, too."
Afterword: How We Wrote This Book-and Why It Matters	184	(7)
"Has anyone ever asked you questions like this before?"
Resources for Teachers	191	(2)
Acknowledgments	193	(3)
The Students: Brief Biographies	196	(3)
Index	199