Training Teachers
This is an old gem not as popular or widely read as some of Deb and Margie’s other works but it is equally as powerful. So often we manage and teach adults in direct contradiction with the way we hope they will work with children. “Training Teachers” invites the reader to take a social constructivist…
Read MoreTroubleMakers
I really enjoyed this book, it isn’t going to change your life but does invite some powerful reflection opportunities. The author invites you to look closely at the environments and experiences of young children. The reader then revisits their preconceived ideas about children’s behaviors and how we can learn from the children parents and teachers…
Read MoreUnconditional Parenting
In “Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason” Alfie Kohn outlines a strong case for what he calls working with, not ‘doing to’ parenting. Kohn’s book is a a clear, though quite loud, presentation of the research and logic behind moving away from the reward/punishment model. The first six chapters lay…
Read MoreThe Visionary Director
“The Visionary Director” is the first book we recommend to early childhood leaders looking to build an intentional program. A beautifully written book examining the complexity of early childhood programs, this offers leaders deep insight, reflective protocols, and practical suggestions. There is little more to ask for in terms of a book for leaders. “The…
Read MoreWhat’s Going On In There
This is a comprehensive compilation of brain research and it provides a lot of helpful insight into young children’s brains. Unfortunately it isn’t very practically applicable, readable, or useful in this format. There is so much information but not a lot of usability. While I appreciate the author didn’t draw unfounded conclusions the raw research…
Read MoreThe Whole-Brain Child
“The Whole-Brain Child” is an Our Neighborhood favorite. We appreciate the authors deep and insightful break down of the current brain research. “The Whole-Brain Child” shares practical tools without straying from the heart of the research being shared. This book is geared for children who are a bit older. The early chapters are helpful for…
Read MoreWorking the Reggio Way
Many educators naturally resonate with the Reggio approach to education. Unfortunately most Reggio teacher resources are written at a deep philosophical level. “Working the Reggio Way” is an accessible introduction for teachers who are new to Reggio. It is written by an American and so it has all the biases and all the benefits of…
Read MoreYour Self-Confident Baby
Magda Gerber is one of Our Neighborhood’s favorite authors and she is the founder of RIE, Resources for Infant Educarers. In the book “Your Self-Confident Baby”, Magda provides basic principles for families as they start to explore and develop their parenting style. We have found Baby Knows Best our favorite RIE resource because it is…
Read MoreHolacracy
“Holacracy” opens up a whole new possibility to get out of the predict and control mindset of business. This book inspired us to adopt Holacracy and provides and helpful introduction for those who are curious about alternatives to the traditional management structure. Holacracy will change you life, and your business, it is not easy but…
Read MoreEasy to Love Difficult to Discipline
“Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline” is Dr. Becky Bailey’s parenting book. It doesn’t have the research or specific examples that Conscious Discipline provides, so while it is a helpful and respectful resource for families, we find that “Conscious Discipline” is a stronger resource. If you’re looking for a bit of a lighter and quicker…
Read More