Kids Deserve It: Pushing Boundaries and Challenging Conventional Thinking

by Todd Nesloney, Adam Welcome

What if learning was exciting? What if students felt important and empowered every time they walked into the building? What if parents looked forward to calls from their children’s teachers and principals, instead of cringing when the school’s number popped up on their phones? To Todd Nesloney and Adam Welcome, those aren’t far-fetched what ifs; they can (and should) be a reality for every teacher, school, parent, and student. In Kids Deserve It!, Todd and Adam encourage you to think big and make learning fun and meaningful for students. While you’re at it, you just might rediscover why you became an educator in the first place. - Learn why you should be calling parents to praise your students (and employees). - Discover ways to promote family interaction and improve relationships for kids at school and at home. - Be inspired to take risks, shake up the status quo, and be a champion for your students. #KidsDeserveIt "For anyone working with young people and in need of a pep talk, this is the book for you.” -Brad Montague, creator of Kid President “Kids Deserve It! provides real-life takeaways for anyone involved in making the world a better place for our kids." -Steve Mesler, Olympic Gold Medalist, co-founder and CEO of Classroom Champions "Kids Deserve It! is a brilliant—and much-needed—invitation to educators to dare to innovate.” -Peter H. Reynolds, author of The Dot “After reading this book, you will be crazy about all kids. They deserve it!” -Salome Thomas-EL, award-winning principal and author of The Immortality of Influence “It's an outstanding read for educators at any level.” -Angela Maiers, educator, author, speaker, founder of Choose2Matter “Whether you are a parent, teacher, or administrator, this powerful little collection of ideas and stories will nurture your spirit and refresh your memory about why you chose to work with kids in the first place.” -Erik Wahl, artist, author, ambassador for kids

Genres: Education, Teaching, Professional Development, School, Nonfiction, Teachers, Leadership

210 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 18, 2016

Reviews

[Daniel Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great quick read especially if you're new to teaching or new to administration. If you already an innovative teacher or administrator then you'll feel like they're "preaching to the choir" and you may get a few ideas. My favorite was the "I Wish You Knew" chapter where you heard the voice of parents, teachers, administrators, and students. It gave great insight on how all of these elements can try and work together for the betterment of the students.

[Carla · Rating 2 out of 5]

There was so much hype around this book (and it continues to be lauded and referred to on blog posts, twitter, etc.) that I had pretty high expectations. But there wasn't much to it. Very vague and superficial. I picked out a couple of ideas but that's it. Also, very poorly written. Not one I'd recommend.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent, practical, personal applications of principles and practices in support of kids’ learning experiences.

[Abby McKay]

I read 10 pages today

[Patrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick, easy, and necessary read for all educators. Great reminders why we went into this professions. Simple and important reminders to help us be the best teacher for those kiddos because they deserve it!

[Ms. Widule · Rating 1 out of 5]

Platitudes and cheerleading with very little in the way of intellectual heft, clear suggestions or insightful analysis. Implies that educators' lack of enthusiasm is the reason children struggle in crappy schools. Poorly written.

[Kris Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Felt kind of Youth Minister-ish.
Sorry, people, Goodreads is the one place where I feel as if I don't have to self-censor.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kids Deserve It is a great read for any educator. It is a quick read, but inspiring, filled with passion and the perfect book to validate the innovative work educators are doing and spark new ideas!

[Lauren Alyssa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let me start off my saying that
1. I really wanted to love this book
2. I desperately want to teach at one of their schools.

With that said, this wasn’t what I was hoping for and maybe that’s on me. I was looking for lots of substantial and practical ways to engage my students and make changes in my classroom. Although there were some, they were mainly large scale ideas. Yes, they talk a lot about how as teachers we need to be leaders of change and I agree with this, but the reality at least at my own school is that I don’t have a lot of say in those kinds of large scale decisions. Yes, this book definitely made me reflect and realize that I need to speak up more and try to be the change I want to see (sorry for the cliche) but the majority of the book was just that: a pep talk. And a repetitive pep talk at that. Kids deserve it! Take risks! Push boundaries! All great sentiments but I would have liked more substance.

In all honesty, I think this book is best suited for principals. Actually, I think it should be mandatory reading for them. You see, I already feel that so many teachers have this mindset already, but it’s harder for us to make school wide changes that would create the positive school wide environment that the authors describe. And I want that in my school! I guess I feel that the people that picked up this book didn’t need the pep talk to take risks and do it for the students; we already are. At least for myself, I wanted every day ideas and tips on HOW I could build these school wide changes, not just pep talks telling me how wonderful it will be when those things happen.

[Misty McClaskey · Rating 4 out of 5]

An uplifting read for anyone working in the education field. My principal assigned us this book to read as a building. Though I don’t have time to read what I want, let alone what I am required… I am glad I read this.

This is written by two administrators. If I could rip out the first, say, 9 chapters, I would. I really spent 9-ish chapters like “are you kidding me?” Pushing Twitter for school use (outdated. And I actually got in trouble for using twitter in the classroom back in the day). Ride the bus home with kids. No thank you. Visit student homes and ask to see their bedroom. If their room is messy, help them clean it. I almost used this as toilet paper at that point.

BUT. My principals were expecting me to read it. And though I thought them nuts, I read it because I’m a rule follower. And I am glad I stuck with it! The last half of the book was lovely! There were a lot of ideas and affirmations. There were many chapters that were refreshing and renewed the fire that students and parents have a habit of tamping down on the daily. Some chapters were just a reminder of why I love what I do. Some chapters gave me ideas that I am on fire to try. It has short chapters that you can read a little at a time to fit it in to your day.

My advice? Read this starting somewhere around chapter 8. Trust me. The first part of this book is absurd.

[Jnase1 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some good ideas, but a lot of the book repeated itself in different chapters. I did highlight some ideas I thought were unique and inspired, but felt a little disappointed that it wasn’t as good as I expected. I was especially disappointed that guidance counselors and school librarians or media specialists weren’t mentioned even once in the book-especially in the chapters that mentioned building relationships, using technology and increasing a love of reading. Just about every other staff member is mentioned, but the specialists in these areas specifically weren’t mentioned. Kind of ironic seeing as that one of the chapters is about making everyone feel important and valued. I will write down some of the takeaways, but I don’t think I’ll be referring back to this book as a repeated source of inspiration.

[Afreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a must read book for all teachers or anyone working with children. It doesn't give you a major epiphany or reveal some top secret information that we do not already know, but it does a great job of reminding us why we do what we do and putting it all into perspective. None of us who teach got into this profession for the money. We teach because we care about students and want to make an impact on future generations. I read this book and felt revitalized and excited about getting back in my classroom. (It is the end of July and who can honestly say they're ready for summer to end?) This book will give you that feeling.

[Alexandra Seals · Rating 3 out of 5]

The principal of the school where I teach gifted this book to all staff members. She is already supportive of my big STEM ideas. I think her gifting us this book is a sign she’s encouraging us to dream BIG for kids and not to be afraid to try new things. The ideas in the book weren’t necessarily mind-blowing or novel (except for maybe sending Spheros home with students). However, the passion and drive the two authors/ principals have is inspiring. Reading this book will make you think about the way you’re striving to stay on the cutting edge to engage your students in real-world learning.

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lacked reality. Unfortunately, not all principals and districts have the authors as their cheerleaders and the end result of each "outside the box" thinking isn't an amazing success story that makes everyone happy. They did touch on the reality of others putting you down for being innovative, that's an unfortunate truth. All good reminders of things I know and need to keep at the forefront of my teaching and interactions with students and co-workers and parents.

[Chloe Cervetto · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. I don’t know how much I can say I really gained from this book as an educator. It seems a little out of touch/unrealistic and cheesy for teachers, might be better suited for administration but even then I’m not sure how much can truly be applied. Much of this writing seemed to dance around ideas and not get to the point. It was also written by 2 male educators and would be nice to have a female perspective.

[Carol Halbmaier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book full of inspiration and practical, easy ways to improve school culture. Maybe not the "meatiest" book about education on the market but a worthwhile read. I especially loved the chapters "I Wish You Knew" and "For the Love of Reading". Would recommend it to any educator tired of status quo.

[Katie · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was not impressed with this book. It is all about pumping you up because kids deserve it - and I get that. The author's are in the principal position, which is quite different. While I realize they were teachers, many of their suggestions didn't register as helpful to me. Not as motivating as I wanted it to be!

[Kari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book at the Scholastic Reading Summit. I started reading it when I got home and literally could not put it down. It didn't take me long to read and it definitely has some insight into how I can become a more powerful and positive teacher. I would recommend it to any educator, not matter the grade level or content area you teach.

[Kaylee · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two writers and educators, are the Bob Goff for the teaching world. I’m not a teacher, but I can say this book is inspiring, and I wish I had the pleasure of having these two men as my own teachers. While the book was made for an educators world, you can definitely take away lessons and ideas to apply to your own workplace (in a non-school setting) and your everyday life too.

[Garrett Street · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am currently a first-year teacher, and I really enjoyed reading this book. I started reading it at a time where the year was feeling long, and I needed a little pick-me-up for my classroom. This did the trick, and I plan on coming back to it again and again when I need something new, or a little extra energy to get through my year.

[Erin McDonnell-Jones · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very, very quick, easy-to-read book that sounds and feels like a cheerleader for teachers. Not a lot of substantial tangible materials, but more thought-provoking. I wouldn’t recommend for TEd students; rather, I’d encourage them to read this after at least two years of teaching- before they hit the third year number.

[Pete Gegick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed reading this book. Todd and Adam are fantastic at explaining the many ways to get students excited in the school. So many great takeaways here, especially the ones which showcase how to get families invested in school. I wish I would have read this book when it came out. A great reminder of all of the things I enjoy about education!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

The great teachers I know will see themselves in these pages. Great validation for those folks. Would also be a great gift for new teachers.

I especially loved the chapter "For the Love of Reading."

[Neena Grosvenor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book to all educators. It will challenge your thinking to push boundaries to increase the learning potential for all students! You and your students will benefit from the ideas presented in the book.

[Kathleen Grinwis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

This books gives some great ideas and suggestions that leaders and teachers can implement TOMORROW!! I found myself inspired by both authors to think of innovative ways to challenge, motivate and celebrate our students!

[MJ Nary · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe in a different universe there are schools like those mentioned in this book. I didn't hate the book but my God, really? I really had trouble swallowing the absolute happiness and positivity shoved down my throat. I call foul.

[Sachi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read that reaffirms what educators already know - do what’s best for kids because they deserve it. Enjoyed some of the concrete examples and suggestions: social media student interns, positive phone calls home from the principal, math fair, home visits...

[Arlene Treutle-Levine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

Kids Deserve It not only reminded me why I teach but inspired me to strive to be a better educator. I can only hope that my creativity produced from reading this book will allow my students reach new heights in their academic careers.

[Joy Wright · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid reminder that deserve a voice & passionate educators to support their growth as learners. It is filled with tips & examples of how Tods and Adam have done this as leaders in their own schools. My copy has many post-it notes of great quotes and items to share.

[Kimee Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great "easy" read with amazing information! I participated in a book study my principal hosted and we read this book. I loved reading about other thinking outside the box and teaching to the individual child.