What do you think?
Rate this book
Sammy and His Behavior Problems: Stories and Strategies from a Teacher's Year
From its very first chapter, this extraordinary book draws you into Caltha Crowe's "never quit" efforts to help Sammy, a challenging but charming third grader, gain control of his behavior so that he and his classmates can learn—and you'll come away with strategies you can use to help the Sammy in your own classroom.
Caltha takes readers into her classroom through rich stories, complemented with journal entries sharing her struggles, triumphs, and "Aha!" moments as Sammy's teacher. Through her sympathetic eyes, we experience Sammy's defiance, angry outbursts, and baffling responses to stress.
By example, Caltha shows us how to help all children succeed in school.
Caltha takes readers into her classroom through rich stories, complemented with journal entries sharing her struggles, triumphs, and "Aha!" moments as Sammy's teacher. Through her sympathetic eyes, we experience Sammy's defiance, angry outbursts, and baffling responses to stress.
By example, Caltha shows us how to help all children succeed in school.
167 pages, Paperback
First published March 22, 2010
1 person is currently reading
27 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 14, 2024
I'd enter this one for "Worst Title Ever in the History of Book Publishing"--it sounds like a preachy Highlights Magazine compilation of Goofus and Gallant cartoons (remember those?).. . but it's a moving and reflective story of one teacher's thoughtful, skilled efforts to address a 3rd grader's lagging social skills while building a safe, effective learning community for her entire class. I read it at night before going to bed, people: this is a fascinating look at the importance of clarity, compassion, and creativity in education. HUGELY recommended for any teacher, no matter the grade, and especially recommended for teachers feeling overwhelmed by student behavior issues and/or simply looking for inspiration. Crowe's writing is clear and humble, presenting options, mistakes, and learnings in an open and honest way that opens the reader's thinking vs. closing it down or feeling superior/isolatingly expert.
It's published by the Responsive Classroom group, and I got a free copy at a recent workshop. My one request: please, please, please change the title. Well, I guess my other request is: teachers of all stripes: please please please read and discuss this book!
It's published by the Responsive Classroom group, and I got a free copy at a recent workshop. My one request: please, please, please change the title. Well, I guess my other request is: teachers of all stripes: please please please read and discuss this book!
February 25, 2019
A wonderfully written, loving story of a teacher helping her class and more specifically, a student in need. This teacher used many responsive classroom approaches and gave us a story about support and commitment. I can certainly see myself retreading this to remind myself of all the wonderful strategies for my own teaching in the future. If I could give it more than 5 stars, I would! Bravo, Caltha Crowe!
September 24, 2019
Well written - honest and thoughtful. We all have difficult relationships and one of teh big lessons is to de-personalize as much as we can and work on the relationship and the work. Thankfully, Caltha shows us how to do this with skill and grace.
May 27, 2024
Excellent story!
Read
April 16, 2025read this for a class! but it was really good and would recommend for anyone in education or childcare
October 23, 2015
A must read for every teacher! This book will definitely stay on my bookshelf for reference for my future classrooms.
As a student teacher, the only experiences I have with Sammy's is through volunteer experience or my time as an EA where I worked one on one with Sammy's. This look into a school year from the point of view of a seasoned teacher is comforting as I enter my first classroom and will have to find how to engage all students equally. I thank Ms. Crowe for her time spent in reflecting and documenting her practices in a way that others can benefit and approach their struggles with more confidence.
As a student teacher, the only experiences I have with Sammy's is through volunteer experience or my time as an EA where I worked one on one with Sammy's. This look into a school year from the point of view of a seasoned teacher is comforting as I enter my first classroom and will have to find how to engage all students equally. I thank Ms. Crowe for her time spent in reflecting and documenting her practices in a way that others can benefit and approach their struggles with more confidence.
July 11, 2012
A must read for every teacher since we all have at least one "Sammy" cross our path as we teach. Catha Crowe, the teacher with 40+ years experience (and the author), demonstrates great patience as she shares her insights through her journal entires and works with Sammy throughout the year to help him succeed in 3rd grade.
March 15, 2012
Practical take on behaviors any good teacher will recognize. Well written & thought provoking!
August 20, 2013
I loved getting inside of a great teacher's brain like this. Hooray for Caltha!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews