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Reading for learning at home

With many students staying home instead of attending person-to-person classes in school because of COVID, many are concerned that online learning is an inadequate substitute for normal classes.

One strategy to bolster the quality and rigor of learning at home is to focus on research challenges that will sharpen a child’s thinking and problem-solving skills. Toward that end, two books stand out as especially valuable.

Laptop Thinking and Writing outlines the process required to approach a research issue with originality, as opposed to relying upon cat-and-paste scooping of others’ ideas.

The Great Report is a great companion volume to clarify the best ways for students to approach difficult questions and develop answers that are convincing and robust.

Laptop Thinking and Writing

In his exciting book, Jamie McKenzie shows how to use a computer (whether desktop, laptop or tablet) to dramatically improve both thinking and writing. It is a book created for teachers, students and anyone else who wishes to write powerfully.

Drawing upon his decades of successful writing and teaching, Jamie stresses the importance of pre-writing and mind mapping, providing vivid examples and strategies that are both appealing and convincing.

You can read the Introduction and sample chapters by clicking on the links below. See for yourself!

You can order and pay for your copy at http://fno.org/fnopress/books.html


Introduction
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Chapter Thirteen
Chapter Fourteen

 		Click to read
Creative thinking
Composing ideas
Composing sentences & paragraphs
Finding the right word
Building a case
Solving a problem
Telling a story
Defining character
Applying for a school
Applying for a job
Lodging a complaint
Writing a poem or song
Writing a speech
Characteristics of good writing

The Great Report

 

  • Creates something new
  • Grapples with a big challenge
  • Explores the unknown
  • Shares insights and understandings that are perceptive and original
  • Awakens curiosity
  • Entertains, delights and illuminates

List price is $25.

You can order and pay for your copy at http://fno.org/fnopress/books.html



Sample chapters are available online below:

 great report

Outline of Chapters

Introduction

Chapter 1. Why great?
Chapter 2. Why not so great
Chapter 3. The five pillars of greatness
Chapter 4. Pillar #1 - Curiosity
Chapter 5. Pillar #2 - Mystery
Chapter 6. Pillar #3 - Challenge
Chapter 7. Pillar #4 - Novelty
Chapter 8. Pillar #5 - Delight
Chapter 9. Upper Elementary
Chapter 10. Middle School
Chapter 11. High School
Chapter 12. Especially for students
Chapter 13. Especially for teachers
Chapter 14. Assessment

pathway
pathway2

Jamie McKenzie has been exploring questions, questioning and discovery learning for decades now. His work centers on how teachers and schools might nurture those habits of mind most likely to help young ones find and build their own meanings rather than rely upon the thinking of others.

Jamie is convinced that effective inquiry is as much a matter of spirit and style as it is a matter of skill. In this book he outlines the basic elements — what he calls "pillars" — that turn a humdrum reporting experience into something important and delightful.

Based on a lifetime of work with teachers, students and schools, Jamie offers an approach to learning that is practical and productive yet inspiring.

You can order and pay for your copy at http://fno.org/fnopress/books.html

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Boulder, CO 80302