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

In my work as a teacher educator, I recommend this book constantly. Filled with songs, stories, and examples, it is practical and filled with ideas to use on Monday morning. The thing I like best about it is that it does more than recommend that teachers build community - it provides activities that can be used daily in inclusive classrooms.

If you are a teacher or a person who cares about children this is the book for you. As a teacher I have used this book and have had fantastic results. Creating an environment for students that is positve and inclusive is the only way teachers can end violence and negativity in their classrooms. This book is pack full of activities that will help build a caring community of students in the classroom. The activities also transcend the school environment. It is perfect for companies who want to build employee relationships that are positive and productive. If I could only describe the author in one word it would be Amazing. I have met her and she is as caring in person as she in the book. This woman has dedicated her life to making a difference and it shows. Buy the book it will be the best thing you ever did!

This is simply the best all round book on building community in schools available. The author wonderfully integrates practical strategies on the education of very diverse learners together -- in terms of ability, race, culture, language. It is a book filled with gentleness and grace yet solidly based on research and practical information. This book should be read and daily used by every elementary teacher!

I really enjoyed the way Mara Sapon-Shevin writes -- everything flows, everything is connected, and her choice of words is apt and evocative. It's also very well organized. Her ideas are elegant and yet simple, clear, and concise. She names the problems that exist and ways to address them, and illustrates them well with clear examples. I found her discussions of competition, cooperation, children's feelings, etc., most interesting. I can see why she's sought after as a speaker across the country and world. She expresses ideas that our world needs, and expresses them fluently, passionately, honestly (sharing her own experiences), and convincingly.

This book is the perfect balance of inclusive philosophy and practical classroom how-tos. It rejuvinates the reader, reminding them of the need and possibility of teaching effectively, caringly and inclusively. Teachers and others will come away from this book with a wealth of useful tools, new ideas and practical ways to create caring classrooms where all teachers and students belong and progress together. This book leaves you feeling you truely can "Change the world" and gives you the tools and motivation you need to do it!