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12 Keys for Engaging At-risk Students
- GenresEducation
215 pages, Unknown Binding
First published January 1, 2011
6 people are currently reading
458 people want to read
About the author
Bruce J. Stewart
1 book9 followersFollowing an 18 year career in the computer software and hardware industry, Bruce became an English teacher at an at-risk middle school in Reno, NV, which became the genesis for his book, 12 Keys for Engaging At-Risk Students. Bruce is a national presenter on Restorative Discipline. To learn more about Restorative Discipline please Bruce's weekly posts published on his website, www.brucejstewart.com.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
June 26, 2015
Nothing Bruce J. Stewart writes about is revolutionary. His “keys” for engaging students center on respecting students’ dignity and implementing a rigorous curriculum. The way Stewart makes his points, however, is what makes this book interesting to read. He uses personal stories and anecdotes to introduce his tips and demonstrate the implications of his methods on students’ lives. Unfortunately, the book becomes a repetitive with the same stories being told and “keys” already being discussed being introduced in new chapters as a new “key.” I do not think there are twelve ideas present in the book as the title suggests. Overall, I think this book would be an excellent read for someone just entering the teaching field. It could even be used as a textbook in a practicum class.
I received this book as part of the GoodReads First Read program. This does not influence my review at all.
I received this book as part of the GoodReads First Read program. This does not influence my review at all.
September 22, 2016
12 Keys for Engaging At-Risk Students includes important ideas but offers nothing to experienced educators other than some potential inspiration. I could see this book being used in college education classes or for first-year teachers. However, good teachers with a few years under their belts (hopefully) figure out these common-sense ideas for themselves.
The writing is so bad that it makes it difficult to believe it's written by an English teacher. The book is full of lousy word usage, cliches, redundancies, and spelling and grammar mechanics errors.
Mr. Stewart, if you're writing another book and want to hire an editor, I will work for cheap.
***I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads Giveaways.***
The writing is so bad that it makes it difficult to believe it's written by an English teacher. The book is full of lousy word usage, cliches, redundancies, and spelling and grammar mechanics errors.
Mr. Stewart, if you're writing another book and want to hire an editor, I will work for cheap.
***I received this book for free through Goodreads First Reads Giveaways.***
August 13, 2011
As an educator, I really enjoyed the book. I could really identify with the stories and the teaching situations in this book. This book forced me to be self reflective about my teaching methods and philosophy. I highly recommend this book for teachers and also for readers who are seeking some insight on students from poverty.
April 13, 2020
Incredible insight on exceptional children that can be used for any age student!
November 11, 2014
Anyone and everyone who works with children should read this book. Anyone and everyone who works with impoverished, disturbed, minority, or neglected children MUST read this book! I wish I could give a copy to every educator across America!
The author, Bruce Stewart, writes of his experiences and the teaching tactics he developed during his years of teaching English at Traner Middle School in Reno, Nevada. Many of his students came from poverty-stricken, single-parent, dysfunctional, troubled, and even abusive family situations. Some had mothers who were prostitutes. Others lived with grandparents, or bounced around from relative to relative, never knowing day to day whom they would be flicked off to next. Some kids in his English class were literally homeless, living in cheap motel rooms, their only meals provided by the school cafeteria. The atmosphere at Traner was charged with racial problems and deep cultural prejudices between many students. As is easy to imagine, Mr. Stewart dealt daily with rebellious, apathetic, angry, embittered kids, those who were instantly labeled as trouble-makers the minute they set foot through the school's doors. The type of kids that would make most teachers throw up their hands in despair and march straight to the principal's office demanding expulsion. But not so Mr. Stewart . . .
He gave these kids his all. He accepted each one of them, and cared, and met them at whatever level they came to him at. He developed strategies and techniques to engage them, to inspire them, to push them to limits they didn't know they could achieve. These are the "12 Keys" he shares with others in this amazing book.
It's written in a relaxed, conversational style, making me feel like I was sitting in the teachers' lounge with him over a pot of coffee (I love those type of books!) -- yet at the same time, Mr. Stewart's prose is very hard hitting. He is throwing down the gauntlet, challenging every teacher (and parent, grandparent, social worker, everyone involved in any way with education) to not give up on these kids. To see beyond their rough and rebellious exterior. To reach out to them, unreachable as they may seem. Basically, it's a call to heroism. His stories will make you cry, make you cheer, and certainly make you view at-risk children in a whole new way.
I received this book for free as a Goodreads First Read Giveaway, but I promise that is not why I am giving it five stars! This truly is a powerful, thought-provoking, and very inspiring book that will stick with me for a long time. If only every teacher in America was as dedicated and passionate as Mr. Stewart. I cannot recommend it highly enough to any educator who really cares and wants to make a difference. I'll be lending this book to every teacher I know!
The author, Bruce Stewart, writes of his experiences and the teaching tactics he developed during his years of teaching English at Traner Middle School in Reno, Nevada. Many of his students came from poverty-stricken, single-parent, dysfunctional, troubled, and even abusive family situations. Some had mothers who were prostitutes. Others lived with grandparents, or bounced around from relative to relative, never knowing day to day whom they would be flicked off to next. Some kids in his English class were literally homeless, living in cheap motel rooms, their only meals provided by the school cafeteria. The atmosphere at Traner was charged with racial problems and deep cultural prejudices between many students. As is easy to imagine, Mr. Stewart dealt daily with rebellious, apathetic, angry, embittered kids, those who were instantly labeled as trouble-makers the minute they set foot through the school's doors. The type of kids that would make most teachers throw up their hands in despair and march straight to the principal's office demanding expulsion. But not so Mr. Stewart . . .
He gave these kids his all. He accepted each one of them, and cared, and met them at whatever level they came to him at. He developed strategies and techniques to engage them, to inspire them, to push them to limits they didn't know they could achieve. These are the "12 Keys" he shares with others in this amazing book.
It's written in a relaxed, conversational style, making me feel like I was sitting in the teachers' lounge with him over a pot of coffee (I love those type of books!) -- yet at the same time, Mr. Stewart's prose is very hard hitting. He is throwing down the gauntlet, challenging every teacher (and parent, grandparent, social worker, everyone involved in any way with education) to not give up on these kids. To see beyond their rough and rebellious exterior. To reach out to them, unreachable as they may seem. Basically, it's a call to heroism. His stories will make you cry, make you cheer, and certainly make you view at-risk children in a whole new way.
I received this book for free as a Goodreads First Read Giveaway, but I promise that is not why I am giving it five stars! This truly is a powerful, thought-provoking, and very inspiring book that will stick with me for a long time. If only every teacher in America was as dedicated and passionate as Mr. Stewart. I cannot recommend it highly enough to any educator who really cares and wants to make a difference. I'll be lending this book to every teacher I know!
October 25, 2014
Teaching without passion, without creativity, and without critical thinking is really not teaching. We cannot reduce all teaching to specific skill sets and activities, without believing our karma as an interested and interesting human being truly makes a significant difference. (p. 91)
Only twelve keys? That’s what this book suggests. However, the author, Bruce J. Stewart, has provided interested educators with more than just twelve keys. Why is that? Primarily because, the astute and caring teacher looks at each student individually, assesses their needs, their strengths and their weaknesses, and works with that student to achieve the best that he/she possibly can be.
Take, for example, Josh, a difficult student with an attitude that was somewhat prompted by educators berating him for his looks, how he wore his clothes, how he projected himself. When he entered Mr. Stewart’s classroom, he was bound and determined to put yet another teacher to the test. And he did. Mr. Stewart, however, was expecting the test. Instead of responding in kind, this teacher worked around and with this troubled student. As Mr. Stewart explained, My objective with students whose behaviors needed adjustment was to implement behavior plans for students to change their behavior, rather than to stifle them. Josh, as a result of his errant behavior, had been discarded by many teachers. Providing structure and a relevant curriculum which engaged Josh, allowed him to improve his behavior and contribute to the class in a positive manner. (p. 74)
12 Keys for Engaging At-Risk Students is a treatise of examples and logical advice and solutions to engage difficult and troubled students, to make them feel that, yes they can do things, learn things and yes, they did have the potential to learn. As Mr. Stewart points out, that is the underlying principle of teaching, to inspire and to teach. This is an excellent resource for teachers and educators everywhere. 12 Keys for Engaging At-Risk Students is highly recommended by: Emily-Jane Hills Orford, Allbooks Reviews.
Only twelve keys? That’s what this book suggests. However, the author, Bruce J. Stewart, has provided interested educators with more than just twelve keys. Why is that? Primarily because, the astute and caring teacher looks at each student individually, assesses their needs, their strengths and their weaknesses, and works with that student to achieve the best that he/she possibly can be.
Take, for example, Josh, a difficult student with an attitude that was somewhat prompted by educators berating him for his looks, how he wore his clothes, how he projected himself. When he entered Mr. Stewart’s classroom, he was bound and determined to put yet another teacher to the test. And he did. Mr. Stewart, however, was expecting the test. Instead of responding in kind, this teacher worked around and with this troubled student. As Mr. Stewart explained, My objective with students whose behaviors needed adjustment was to implement behavior plans for students to change their behavior, rather than to stifle them. Josh, as a result of his errant behavior, had been discarded by many teachers. Providing structure and a relevant curriculum which engaged Josh, allowed him to improve his behavior and contribute to the class in a positive manner. (p. 74)
12 Keys for Engaging At-Risk Students is a treatise of examples and logical advice and solutions to engage difficult and troubled students, to make them feel that, yes they can do things, learn things and yes, they did have the potential to learn. As Mr. Stewart points out, that is the underlying principle of teaching, to inspire and to teach. This is an excellent resource for teachers and educators everywhere. 12 Keys for Engaging At-Risk Students is highly recommended by: Emily-Jane Hills Orford, Allbooks Reviews.
January 19, 2015
This is from my daughter, special ed/physically handicapped teacher. She would give the book five stars. "Through the author's reminiscences of special-needs students and his ability to differentiate his instruction, he is able to reach the reader. Mr. Stewart's skill at teaching critical thinking through passion and creativity, lead the reader to believe in themselves in any aspect of employment.
A recurring theme throughout the book is 'success breeds confidence and confidence breeds success'. The life experiences the author shares are detailed and easy to follow. Included in each section is a chart of activities or lessons learned and a question/answer forum for use in independent study or a group.
I found 12 Keys for Engaging At-Risk Students motivating and informative. Many of the techniques employed by Mr. Stewart can be utilized with students in a classroom, in a work-assistance area, as an instructor, or even as a parent."
O.k, now my review that gave it 3 stars: The writing style was like a Development Day for teachers, generated enthusiasm, set up goals for teachers, and had questions that would stimulate thinking. I agree with daughter's advocacy of the book for other work situations and for parents. However, I found errors in structure and cohesiveness. Sometimes, other words needed to be used: e.g. p. 196 # 2. Instead of "Explain to the parent ", tell the parent that you are calling... #3"Explain the behavior...." really struck me as odd and "DESCRIBE the behavior...." resonates more with the goals of the book and chapter. Sometimes I wanted to use an editing pen to take out extraneous material that didn't fit in to the chapter. The book would be well used in an undergraduate class or a teacher development class with small discussion groups. It's certainly worth the modest price.
A recurring theme throughout the book is 'success breeds confidence and confidence breeds success'. The life experiences the author shares are detailed and easy to follow. Included in each section is a chart of activities or lessons learned and a question/answer forum for use in independent study or a group.
I found 12 Keys for Engaging At-Risk Students motivating and informative. Many of the techniques employed by Mr. Stewart can be utilized with students in a classroom, in a work-assistance area, as an instructor, or even as a parent."
O.k, now my review that gave it 3 stars: The writing style was like a Development Day for teachers, generated enthusiasm, set up goals for teachers, and had questions that would stimulate thinking. I agree with daughter's advocacy of the book for other work situations and for parents. However, I found errors in structure and cohesiveness. Sometimes, other words needed to be used: e.g. p. 196 # 2. Instead of "Explain to the parent ", tell the parent that you are calling... #3"Explain the behavior...." really struck me as odd and "DESCRIBE the behavior...." resonates more with the goals of the book and chapter. Sometimes I wanted to use an editing pen to take out extraneous material that didn't fit in to the chapter. The book would be well used in an undergraduate class or a teacher development class with small discussion groups. It's certainly worth the modest price.
February 1, 2016
~Disclaimer: I received this book for free in a giveaway~
Biggest issue with the book: it didn't provide and action plan or a real clear solution.
This issue is complicated, but the title implies the book will give you 12 steps or things to try. But really what the book does is point out the every situation is different and give examples of solutions that the author found worked. It was great to see the thought process behind the choices, but that isn't what I thought this book would offer.
I don't know. I just didn't get anything out of it that I didn't already know. And I've only worked with foster kids and low income kids for 7 years and I know this stuff. So, it doesn't seem like it was offering something super insightful to me.
If you are new to working with kids this may help?
Biggest issue with the book: it didn't provide and action plan or a real clear solution.
This issue is complicated, but the title implies the book will give you 12 steps or things to try. But really what the book does is point out the every situation is different and give examples of solutions that the author found worked. It was great to see the thought process behind the choices, but that isn't what I thought this book would offer.
I don't know. I just didn't get anything out of it that I didn't already know. And I've only worked with foster kids and low income kids for 7 years and I know this stuff. So, it doesn't seem like it was offering something super insightful to me.
If you are new to working with kids this may help?
April 27, 2015
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads. Although I am not a teacher, two of my daughters are, and I thought it would be interesting reading, and it was. The information in it, such as treating each student with dignity, is basic and true, but I would think most of it would be taught in the education classes in college. There are interesting antidotes related, but there is too much repetition throughout. My main pause about the book, however, is that it is not punctuated. It was hard to grasp the meaning of some sentences without reading them several times and thinking, "Oh, a comma goes there . . . so it means--" Not cool for an English professor!
June 23, 2015
I won this book as a part of goodread's giveaways. This book was very helpful for me in my profession. Not only does this book do a good job discussing ways in dealing with at-risk youth in poverty, but the same principles can be applied to those who work with at-risk adults, as many of the same coping and life skills juveniles fail to learn are the same as adults. I implemented many of these keys in my cognitive behavioral group therapy classes for offenders and have found it's much easier to control the group and see those difficult students really flourish. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book!!
January 23, 2016
I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads in exchange for an honest review...
I work with at-risk youth and even though this is based more along the lines of engaging with a student and helping them academically (I care for them at a Mental Health Facility, not in a school setting), this book benefitted me greatly. It had some helpful and bright ideas, information, and advice that anyone can benefit from. The book was well-written, well put together, organized, and very clear cut and understandable.
I work with at-risk youth and even though this is based more along the lines of engaging with a student and helping them academically (I care for them at a Mental Health Facility, not in a school setting), this book benefitted me greatly. It had some helpful and bright ideas, information, and advice that anyone can benefit from. The book was well-written, well put together, organized, and very clear cut and understandable.
March 1, 2015
Great information, especially for new teachers. It's nothing earth shattering, but it would make the basis of a good first year teacher support program.
However, it could be better written. There are some syntax issues that threw me and forced me to re-read sections. Also, the author "bounced around" a bit with the names. For example, sometimes, he called the principal Debra; other times, she's Mrs. Feemsteer. It's only in the Aftrword that he reveals they're the same woman.
I got this through Goodreads' First Reads program.
However, it could be better written. There are some syntax issues that threw me and forced me to re-read sections. Also, the author "bounced around" a bit with the names. For example, sometimes, he called the principal Debra; other times, she's Mrs. Feemsteer. It's only in the Aftrword that he reveals they're the same woman.
I got this through Goodreads' First Reads program.
April 4, 2015
This book is one that everyone can benefit from reading. It covers a variety of situations that came up over the years while the Author was teaching. Each of those really makes the reader reflect on how they would and could handle a similar situation. There are also discussion questions at the end of the chapters to help you think further. Throughout, we are reminded to always be respectful and welcoming of others, and that a smile can go a long way. I received a free copy of this book to review from Goodreads First Reads.
June 14, 2016
I won this book, for free, on Goodreads First Reads. I actually entered to win it for my daughter who is going to be an elementary school teacher in the not-too-distant future. So, she is the one who read this book and came to me this evening to let me know she finished it. My daughter stated that this book has a lot of great ideas for teaching At-Risk students and she plans on implementing them, if needed, in her classroom. she, also, said that she will be keeping this book on hand in her classroom for other teachers to use.
April 4, 2015
7-12 education students, especially English teachers, will appreciate the content of this book, perfect for methods courses or for beginning teachers. Charts at the end of each chapter point out the teacher attributes discussed along with discussion questions. If I were still teaching I would use this book with students teachers prescriptively to read the chapter about a problem he or she is having. The title bothers me a bit as the content is appropriate to all, not just at-risk students. I received a copy for review from Goodreads First Reads.
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November 23, 2014This book gave a lot of good insight into working with more difficult students. I learned a lot about patience, effective teaching methods, and reasons behind student behavior. The discussion questions and charts summarizing information at the end of each chapter were incredibly useful. A few grammatical errors, but other than that, I found it to be a quick read packed with helpful stories of students.
May 16, 2015
What an excellent book! I would recommend this for anyone intested, or involved, in education. This encompasses the total school experience, and guidance, for the at-risk student. Througout the book, Bruce Stewart has demonstrated ways to engage students who would otherwise be lost to education. He outlines methods undertaken, as well as the growth of the teacher, to open the student to the wonder of learning. Impressive tactics for impressive results!!
October 13, 2015
I received this book through Goodreads First Reads.
The author hit the nail on the head. I could identify my students with the descriptions of his students.
This gave me a better of actions and reactions of "Students at Risk". An interesting study of dealing with and understanding those students who are so prevalent in the lives of educators!
The author hit the nail on the head. I could identify my students with the descriptions of his students.
This gave me a better of actions and reactions of "Students at Risk". An interesting study of dealing with and understanding those students who are so prevalent in the lives of educators!
July 17, 2017
I won this a while ago in a GR giveaway, and now that I have entered the education field I have referenced this book many times. My student teaching placement was in a high poverty and crime area and a lot of students were extremely disengaged from the school process. Being able to engage all students is the goal, and it is wonderful to reference reads such as this. My hat is off to Bruce!:)
March 15, 2015
This was a free book from Goodreads first reads. I really found the stories of the students similar to what I experience in the classroom. It was an easy and interesting read, along with helpful suggestions. Thank you for allowing me to improve my understanding of motivating students.
February 3, 2015
The Twelve Keys are good for every teacher in any classroom, but especially for those classrooms where special needs students are included throughout the day. Success for all is hope of every teacher in every classroom.
January 18, 2015
I received this book as a Goodreads First Reads winner. The book is interesting to read as the author illustrates everything with personal anecdotes. I recommend that anyone working with "At Risk" students read this book.
October 7, 2015
I was happy to win a copy from a First Reads giveaway because I wanted to gift it to a friend who's an ESL teacher for junior high students. I flipped through and it looks like it will be interesting and useful.
May 20, 2015
Good book for students, and parents of students, who have an obstacle to overcome.
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April 26, 2016Great book for teachers. Really reminds one of why you teach. I am recommending it to some new teachers as a seminar read. Thank you for helping us to help those who need us the most.
July 8, 2015
Nothing new
October 11, 2016
Received this book in a Goodreads Giveaway. Every educator should read this book. I've been working in education for over 24 years and enjoyed this book. Yes, I even learned something.
December 25, 2015
A great source of ideas and examples.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews