Teaching and Joy

by Robert Sornson (Editor), James Scott (Editor)

Teaching and Joy is a collection of inspiring stories by people who share a vision of schools, families, and communities where human beings experience joyful learning. Editors Robert Sornson and James Scott bring together a multitude of perspectives that show how joyous both the learning experience and the teaching experience can be. Each author offers a brief, personal story that emphasizes active learning; respect for differences; creativity; willingness to make mistakes; a love of life, school, and family relationships; and the quest for personal meaning. Collectively, the stories reinforce the perspective that great learning and great teaching can occur only in an atmosphere of love, clear purpose, and commitment.

143 pages, Paperback

First published April 7, 2009

Reviews

[Mimi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This collection of short essays from self-help coaches, teachers, doctors, and others felt very dated. Its frequent mention of religion, portrayal of teachers as saints addicted to their jobs, and fuzzy theories about "heart" had little to offer a secondary educator of today. This book focuses on "life lessons" learnt by young children and often concentrates on stories of gratitude for teachers in all professions and roles: friends, parents, acquaintances. It is perhaps meant as a source of inspiration to invigorate elementary school teachers. Although I was very interested in this topic, I found it gave few relevant examples of how to incorporate joy into a variety of classrooms. Overall, a sadly maudlin and misguided read.