Ordinary Children, Extraordinary Teachers

by Marva Collins

Marva Collins embodies all that is meant by that hallowed word. . .teacher. She gives of herself tirelessly so that those whose minds are supple may grasp knowledge and power through her love. Indeed love, like that of a mother for her children, is the essence of the Marva Collins Way. . .love of learning, love of teaching, and love of sharing. It charges her mission with an incredible power to heal broken spirits. Discover the power to truly teach, whether it be one child or many. Children don't have to be geniuses to be successful. By the power of the extraordinary teacher, each and everyone can achieve extraordinary success. You can be that teacher or parent. In this book, Marva Collins reveals the secret of her success and the principles which will aid you to duplicate her achievements - first within yourself, then within your classroom or in your own home. Here is an opportunity to expand your teaching ability with the aid of one who has stretched the boundary through her own bold experiments. It works. Go for it. Renew your spirit. The Extraordinary teacher is you.

Genres: Education, Nonfiction, Family, Teaching, Parenting

264 pages, Paperback

First published July 31, 1992

Reviews

[Anne White]

[In some books], each sentence needs to be considered carefully before you move on to the next.

Marva Collins' "Ordinary" Children, Extraordinary Teachers, on the other hand, took me from last night until this afternoon, in spite of the fact that it's 250 pages long. Especially if you've read Marva Collins' Way, it's a very fast read. Most of the book is made up of talks that Mrs. Collins gave over the years; and, like most speakers, she has favourite images, illustrations, and phrases that she repeats every time. For that reason, the book should have been edited much more carefully. (To get even more nitpicky, I was also surprised by her use of "alright," not to mention three or four "Judas Priests.")

Best reasons to read the book? The detailed notes for several works of literature, from The Little Engine That Could to The Song of Roland. She does not write in the formal academic style [of some classical educators], but she touches on many of the same points, such as the importance of asking normative questions.

If you liked Marva Collins' Way and want additional insight into her methods, this will add a bit more. Not a lot more, but a bit...an interesting bit.

[VERONIQUE TOTO · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cried throughout....

Compelling!
Revolting!
Heart wrenching!
Humbling!
Inspiring!
Determined!
Hopeful!
The revolution we need !

PS: Amazon why is a number of words compulsory for the review?!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marva Collins is an amazing woman. She has a teaching style that should be emulated by all. Very insightful. This book makes you feel like taking action!

[Traci David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every Educator should read this book. The system limits us but this book liberates a teacher's thoughts. Elementary kids reading "The Alchemist"? Wow!

[Terrance D Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 3Rs, plus

I grew up in the academic age of the 3Rs! There was also a 4th R for Respect taught. Mrs. Collins brings full education back alive. She presents a loving yet disciplined atmosphere to learn the foundational basics of education. Administrators, teachers, and parents need to read this book.

[Merideth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for teachers

[Latanya · Rating 4 out of 5]

yep, this one too...

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book.

[Mark · Rating 1 out of 5]

A hodgepodge of a book.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Teach as if your very life depended on it."