Decisive
A beautifully written challenge to what we think about our own decision making. Powerful reflection for any leader and practical protocols to work into team structures. Anyone who works to make value-based decision in their lives could benefit from learning the research of “Decisive” by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
Read MoreDear Parent: Caring for Infants with Respect
On many of the Our Neighborhood best books lists, Dear Parent offers a beautiful invitation for new parents to prepare for a new baby without the guilt that is so prevalent in our society. “Dear Parent” was the first resource that inspired Our Neighborhood’s exploration and adoption of the RIE, Resources for Infant Educarers, principles.…
Read MoreCrucial Conversations
The first of the the VitalSmarts books that we discovered Crucial Conversations is a powerful resource and one that could hold a place on any leader or team member’s shelf for years. This would make a great gift to any graduate and we use it as a first anniversary gift for teachers. Patterson balances well…
Read MoreCrucial Accountability
Originally written with the title Crucial Confrontations, Crucial Accountability offers a next step for those who are ready to dive deeper in their Crucial Conversations practice. We love these authors and find all of their works well worth the time and energy it takes to read, not to mention the audio version offers all the…
Read MoreConscious Discipline
A must read for new teachers. Makes the research really clear, accessible and practical. Conscious Discipline is the emotional self-regulation program we use at Our Neighborhood. It’s a life-changing read that is thoughtfully written and based on solid brain research. The model is specific. The book, the philosophy underlying the approach, and the examples provided…
Read MoreBeyond Discipline
“Beyond Discipline” is our favorite of Alfie Kohn’s books, though “Unconditional Parenting” is also a very valuable read.”Beyond Discipline” is written for classroom teachers . Kohn delves into how our view of children underlies everything we do and why we need to move to a community model. Kohn then outlines what a community model would…
Read MoreBrain Rules for Baby
An interesting read for those curious about how to support children at home and school. “Brain Rules for Baby” by John Medina shares some current research into child development and brain development. The book is entertaining and well written though the research is somewhat selected to represent the authors own bias. We wouldn’t put this…
Read MoreBeing with Babies
Good option for new infant teachers curious about the RIE approach in group care. This is an easy to read book for new teachers, the chapters are short and simple. The principles of this book are applicable in most early childhood settings and a great beginner starting point.
Read MoreBalanced and Barefoot
Amazing resource for parents or teachers interested in supporting children’s physical development. Angela Hanscom packed Balanced and Barefoot with research into the importance of movement for all aspects of learning and development. I found it especially interesting Hanscom’s evaluation of the research into sensory processing disorders and the possibilities to support children of differing needs.…
Read MoreBaby Knows Best
Our first recommendation for expecting families, an Our Neighborhood favorite. “Baby Knows Best” clearly explains the principles of RIE, Resources for Infant Educarers, through the eyes of the modern world. Deborah Carlisle Solomon outlines the tenets of RIE with specific details and stories to help parents begin to reflect on the parent they want to…
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