Crisscross Applesauce and Shut the Hell Up: 10 Reflective Lessons for New and Seasoned Teachers

by Colleen Schmit

Rekindle your love for teaching with these attitude-adjusting tips and strategies for self-reflection.

Among district demands, peer expectations, and a fierce schedule in a sometimes thankless industry, it's understandable how teachers can lose the love of teaching. It's time to take a breath and reflect.

With Crisscross Applesauce you'll learn what you can do to progress as an effective teacher for the sake of both you and your students. It's set up in familiar, quick lesson plans perfect for the busy teacher. Each objective illustrates a relatable story followed by advice and examples that will help you examine your own experiences as an educator. Reflection questions at the end of each lesson help you answer the question, "How can I further develop my teaching style to rediscover the fun in teaching?"

114 pages, Paperback

Published May 3, 2016

Reviews

[Dee/ bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book! Definitely steered toward public school teachers, not homeschool teachers. Although some advice does still work for both. Great list of reflective questions in the back that are universal for all teachers in some capacity or other.

I received. an advance reader copy in exchange for a fair review.

[Cristie Underwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest and in-depth advice for reaching your full potential. This advice is presented in easy to follow language that can be broken up and applied in pieces at a time.

[Sarah Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read and quick!!

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book from goodreads first reads. It was an enjoyable, fast read that made me think about how I bring the material I teach to life for students. I will have to say that it is geared toward the traditional classroom teacher - that is to say someone that has a fixed space to educate kids. I do "kit teaching" or going to various schools to share a concept or bring them to destination areas like a museum and do field trip learning. One hour to make an impact kind of thing. A lot of concepts from this book can cross over but a lot of things couldn't too. That being said, I truly believe that that normal teachers in the regular education system can find a lot of value in this book.

[Rachel Mostek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nailed IT! Amazing book for new and "burnt out" teachers!! I'd also suggest this for any parent with elementary aged children, it would be a great gift for their children's teachers. The author does a great job breaking down the everyday difficulties teachers face, and suggestions for the direction we SHOULD be going. After reading this book I personally felt recharged and ready to make some necessary adjustments for my classroom.

Another teacher friend of mine (who passed this book on to me) heard the author does presentations. Has anyone had her at your school yet? I'd love to pick her brain.

[Lethmi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a positive take on teaching, probably a quick, thoughtful read for NQTs though very specific to her age group.