Crash Course Book Review and Giveaways

Summer is a time for teachers to sit down and revaluate their teaching practices, content, and delivery.   Okay, I will admit it's not all about school.  Summer is a time of recovering emotionally and physically.  Time for faith, family, friends, and necessary "me" time.  For myself, "me" time can consist of a pedicure with a good book.  The greatest gift of summer is a rejuvenated passion for reading. It is cheap, it consoles, it distracts, it excites, it gives you knowledge.  This summer I began reading a book that inspires me to build relationships, abandon fears, embrace unique qualities through the life lessons of a remarkably motivating, highly acclaimed teacher.  It's the honesty, humor, heartbreak, and humanity that pours from the pages of Kim Bearden's book Crash Course: The Lessons My Students Taught Me that entangles my heart, activates my thoughts, and gives me a renewed approach to education.  The inspiring true stories complied in Kim's book will help others find compassion, joy, and success both personally and professionally.

As I read each chapter (referred to as a course), I'm captivated by lesson learned through the stories Kim has experience with her students.  Building background happens to be the most important component to any lesson.  Without the connections made, the instruction is lost.  Chemistry and trust are the background to connecting with students.  The words to which she describes chemistry jump off the page and smack me between the eyes! "When we show others that their interests matter to us, we are making meaningful steps toward developing lasting bonds and trust."  Kim's words seamlessly flow and before you blink you are riding a rollercoaster of emotions in which you connect deeply. 

 

There are 17 courses in this book: Chemistry, Magic, Courage, Play, Recover, Talent, Optimism, Love, Generosity, Tenacity, Insight, Expectations, Bonding, Creativity, Improvisations, Gratitude, and Faith.  Each course begins with a description that extends beyond the title of the chapter and describes the main idea.  The words are constructed from experiences throughout Kim's 27 years as an educator and administrator.  At the conclusion of each course you'll find class notes in which summarizes the chapter with key bullets that assist in allowing you to reflect upon the stories told.  In addition to the notes, homework is provided in order to guide your thinking from reflection to actions.

 

After visiting the Ron Clark Academy in which Kim is a co-founder and teacher of language arts, I understand fully the innovation of energetic teaching that captivates children on various levels of academic, social, and emotional development.  Kim is infectious! So grab some tissues, and pick up your copy of the book right here! You will definitely not be disappointed! 

Kim Bearden is the co-founder and executive director at the Ron Clark Academy. Most importantly, she is also the language arts teacher. 

Kim has received numerous awards for her creative, dynamic, and rigorous teaching styles. She was selected from over 70,000 nominations to be honored as the Disney American Teacher Awards Outstanding Middle School Humanities Teacher. Along with countless other awards, she was also chosen from among 7,000 teachers as Teacher of the Year in Cobb County Georgia. 

Over the past twenty-seven years, she has been a teacher, instructional lead teacher, curriculum director, school board member, staff development trainer, and middle school principal. 

For someone that has accomplished so much during her career, Kim is by far one of the most humble and down to earth educators. Her life hasn't been perfect, and I love that she is so transparent in her book as she shares her experiences as an educator. 

Instead of telling you, I will just show you! Here is a little clip that shows who and what the Ron Clark Academy is all about! The best part? You can actually come spend a day…or two…at the school! Be sure and follow the Ron Clark Academy on Facebook {HERE} to receive special updates and events! 

If you would like to visit RCA and participate in the RCA Educator Training Experience, visit the website {HERE} to register! It is truly a training unlike anything you have ever experienced before. During this training, you will get to meet the students of RCA and observe Ron Clark and Kim Bearden's unparalleled instruction in their 5th grade classrooms. You will also spend the day in classroom observations and workshops that will enhance your instruction in any grade level. And of course, you will end the visitation becoming "slide certified." 

2014-2015 Training Dates:

I am so excited about teaming up with some of my favorite bloggers to share our review of Kim's book. Click on any of the links below to see what they think...

An InLinkz Link-up

 

Win a signed copy of Kim's Book!

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Win a free visitation to the Academy! 

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I will end this post with a few pictures of my RCA experience. If you ever get a chance to visit, you will see exactly why I feel so extremely blessed to have visited this enchanting school.