While self-talk like Now we are buckling you in the car seat so we can go to the store is common parental practice, this book shows how teachers, parents, and therapists can take this to higher levels to advance language cognitive development and learning potential. Based on neuroscience and their own innovative work, the authors provide the rationale and a step-by-step process for using intentional self-talk and think-aloud methods to improve both language and cognitive development in normal and language-delayed children, as well as in older individuals with disabilities. Stories are sprinkled throughout the text to demonstrate mediated self-talk in action and the remarkable results achieved with real children. With clear guidelines for delivery, content, and timing, the crucial core of the process is to narrate thinking, action, and emotion in the presence of children without requiring their response. Book Features: Addresses the growing numbers of children entering school with language poverty, describes the concept of mediated soliloquy (MSL), or self-talk, with individuals or classroomswho should use it and when, where and how it can be applied, and expected outcome, and illustrates the use of MSL for specific language disorders and to improve both language and interpersonal function with children exhibiting delays, disabilities, spectrum behavior, and social/emotional difficulties.

The authors bring to life the theory of mediated learning. Through numerous examples and scenarios from classrooms and museums, they show how mediated learning helps children to become more effective learners. --from publisher description.

Whether a library catalogs its own materials or not, librarians still need to have some understanding of RDA. Designed to be used by academic, public, and school librarians, this is the perfect introduction. RDA (Resource Description and Access) was released in March 2013 and catalogers are busy trying to understand and implement the new protocols. This book will help. Unlike the RDA training materials prepared for seasoned catalogers by the Library of Congress and others, the The RDA Workbook: Learning the Basics of Resource Description and Access uses tried-and-true methods to make RDA clear even to those who have little or no previous cataloging knowledge. The workbook can be used by an individual or to teach others in staff training sessions, presentations, or LIS courses. It discusses the theoretical framework of the cataloging code; details the steps necessary to create a bibliographic for books, videos, and other formats; and shows librarians how to read and interrupt authority records for persons, families, corporate bodies, works, and expressions. Finally, the workbook suggests strategies for implementing RDA.

Originally developed to help students overcome learning obstacles created by emotional trauma or neurobiological learning disabilities, Reuven Feuersteins work is now used in major cities around the world to support improved thinking and learning by all students. This book is the most up-to-date summary of his thinking and includes accessible descriptions of his tools and methods for cognitive modifiablilty and mediated learning. With dramatic case studies throughout the text, Feuerstein and his co-authors define intelligence as a dynamic force that drives the human organism to change the structure of thinking in order to answer the needs it encounters. They describe in detail the specific skills of the three stages of thinking: input or observation and data-gathering stage; development or processing stage; and output stage, including analysis, synthesis, and communication. They show how student thinking can stall in multiple ways at any of these stages and how intentional mediation can help students restructure their thinking and improve their ability to learn. Similarly to cognitive mediated learning, the authors address mediation of social and emotional skills that impact learning.

This book presents a detailed description of the Think Aloud Method, which was developed to facilitate knowledge acquisition and problem-solving by asking the participant to think aloud while solving a problem. The Think Aloud Method is based on the premise that people are often able to verbalize their thoughts as they solve a problem, and their resulting behavior can be analyzed to answer questions about problem solving behavior. This method is useful for psychological research on problem solving behavior, as well as for knowledge acquisition in the context of building expert computer programs. In many cases the Think Aloud Method is an invaluable source of information for psychologists and knowledge engineers. The Think Aloud Method is intended for two types of readers: social scientists who want to use the Think Aloud Method for research on cognitive processes, and knowledge engineers who wish to use the method for knowledge acquisition. The book is made accessible to both audiences with short introductions to several issues that are basic knowledge for one readership, but that are not part of the standard knowledge of their community. Introductory sections on those topics relevant to both communities are also included. The Think Aloud Method will prove a welcome addition to work in this exciting area.

Have faith, because there is hope…. What is the single most important thing you think about when you are blessed with a special needs child? Or when you face a life-changing condition such as a major sports injury or Parkinson’s or a stroke? Is there hope? Can my child break through his limitations? Can I recover? In this book of true stories and groundbreaking methods in neuroplasticity, the author shows us the impossible is possible. Foo Siang Mun shares her work in the new science of neuroplasticity and the lives she has transformed. She also introduces the combination of two profound philosophies, founded by Professor Reuven Feuerstein and Dr Moshe Feldenkrais – both lived during different times yet said the same thing, that the brain can change. In Brains, Breakthroughs and Beyond, Siang Mun talks about how our brains work, how the brain works in injuries and when born with conditions such as autism, Down Syndrome, etc. She shares her experiences and easy to implement (but powerful) methods in transforming the lives of her patients.

This book supplies stories, essays, lesson plans and specialized storytelling strategies to help teachers "level the playing field" for all learners and better serve children with special needs. More than 57 percent of the over 6 million American children with disabilities are in inclusive (i.e., general) classrooms; "self-contained" classrooms serve children whose disabilities are either more severe or disruptive. As much as 20 percent of the children in an inclusive classroom are identified as "disabled," with the highest percentage of these having learning disabilities. While most classrooms have at least one child with a disability, teachers often have little or no training in educating and caring for these children. The need for resources that support educators working with children with disabilities or social/emotional difficulties is clear. This book fills this critical need, supplying school and public librarians, classroom and special area teachers, and storytelling teaching artists with storytelling strategies for reaching and teaching children with special needs in inclusive classrooms, self-contained classrooms, and public and school libraries. These full-text stories, essays, and lesson plans from experienced storytelling teaching artists provide educators with a wide range of adaptable storytelling and teaching strategies for specific disabilities and enable storytellers to discover news ways to perform their storytelling magic. The book also offers compelling real-life anecdotes that demonstrate the impact of these strategies in inclusive and self-contained classrooms; presents an introduction to the skills of storytelling, why they are useful, and how to use them; and includes suggested modifications for a wide range of disabilities as well as detailed resource lists.

This book is designed to help parents and professionals respond to the behavioral potential of children and adults diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) through the application of the Feuerstein method, an approach that brings an alternative and innovative treatment modality that uncovers and enhances the learning potential that traditional diagnoses and treatment methods often overlook or discourage. The method is based on Reuven Feuerstein’s formulations of cognitive modifiability and has been implemented successfully and confirmed by both research results and the experiences of teachers and parents. This book is a valued resource for treatment, including descriptions of the basic concepts of the method and their application to the assessment and treatment of those functioning within the spectrum. Each chapter is specifically written by members of the Feuerstein Institute clinical and research team. The chapters are interspersed with case studies that illustrate the principles and practices described therein and is written in an accessible and clear language for practitioners and parents. Presenting a new and optimistic paradigm in defining and responding to ASD, this is an invaluable resource for parents and practitioners concerned about meeting the needs of the ASD individual and acquiring insights and techniques for seeking or implementing treatment.

Decades before educators began to draw teaching and learning implications from neuroscientists’ groundbreaking findings on brain plasticiy, Reuven Feuerstein had already theorized it and developed practices for teaching and developing higher level cognition and learning for all students, even those with Down syndrome and other learning disabilities. His mediated learning, enrichment instruments, and dynamic assessment are used in urban districts in the United States and around the world to raise student achievement, success levels, and self-regulation. In this final work, Feuerstein provides a first-person reflective narrative of the implementation of mediated learning experience (MLE) past and present, including stories, new insights, observations, and newly formulated concepts on MLE and how it contributes to higher-level thinking and overcoming disability. Featuring both educational and clinical case examples, it offers a more detailed picture of the practical applications than any other publication to date. Those familiar with Feuerstein’s methods will find this book an important resource in deepening their knowledge. It is also essential reading for all educators looking for approaches that promote thinking skills that improve educational outcomes for diverse learners. Book Features: Provides stories of Feuerstein’s inspirational journey as a teacher and learner, often working with special needs children and youth. Relates mediated learning to contemporary learning environments Explores theory and research on whether spiritual and behavioral practices change the brain. Includes chapters devoted to questioning techniques and the effects of modern media access to the development of thinking skills. “Reuven Feuerstein’s concepts will continue to enrich cognitive developmental thinking and research and to bring a richer, fuller cognitive development to children, youth, and adults around the world.” —From the Foreword by H. Carl Haywood, Vanderbilt University “Educators who are devoted to enhancing the intellectual functioning of learners need this book. The principles, skills, and strategies of Mediated Learning should become a prerequisite for all teachers. Reuven Feuerstein has made the world a more thoughtful place.” —Arthur L. Costa, professor emeritus, California State University and co-founder, Institute for Habits of Mind International

Now in a second edition, this popular resource shows teachers and childcare providers how to work with young children based on current neuroscience research. Revised and expanded, it contains a wealth of practical and specific activities and materials to use with infants and toddlers to enhance growth and development. For each activity presented, the text examines its relation to the rapid brain growth that characterizes the 0 to 3 years, including major developments in sensory reception, movement, language, cognition, memory, vision, and motivation. Featured materials, with guidance for their use and where to find them, include paint, mark-makers, man-made found objects, natural objects, clay, paper, and light and shadow. This edition features many full color images and two new chapters on using electronic technology with infants and toddlers written by outstanding early educators. This is an essential guide for trainers and professionals who work with very young children, as well as parents and other caregivers. Book Features: The interpretation of current neuroscience as a supplement to the wisdom of excellent early childhood educators. Numerous vignettes of teachers at work with young children inspired by the experiences of lifelong early educator Ann Lewin-Benham. New ideas regarding the responsible introduction of electronic technology to young children. Original color photos of children learning with traditional materials such as paint, clay, and fabric, as well as with electronic devices such as cameras and computers. Insights and practices of renowned cognitive psychologists, including Stanislas Dehaene. “In this well-researched and aptly illustrated book, master educator Ann Lewin-Benham surveys authorities (like Piaget), exemplary programs (like Reggio Emilia), materials (like paper and clay), as well as current research on the brain and on technology—and skillfully integrates them.” —Howard Gardner, Hobbs Research Professor of Cognition and Education, Harvard Graduate School of Education “A wealth of information and specific suggestions for creating learning environments that capitalize on current knowledge make this an invaluable guide for practitioners and teacher educators.” —Young Children “Ann Lewin-Benham’s book represents an extraordinarily comprehensive yet usable guide to the neuroscientific state-of-the-art in infant and toddler cognitive development. Full of practical recommendations for engaging young children’s brains with the physical world around them, this volume will connect strongly with educators and caregivers alike.” —Mariale Hardiman, interim dean, School of Education, Johns Hopkins University “As we learn more and more from neuroscience about the development of the infant brain, two things have become clear: how competent babies are, and how much they depend on relationships to frame their early development. In her new book Ann Lewin-Benham helps us to understand how to respectfully relate to the developing brain.” —J. Ronald Lally, co-director, Center for Child & Family Studies, WestEd