Greg Sinn, 5th grade teacher, review
933098
As a teacher of a 5th grade classroom, I have used the Math Dictionary for Kids in  class now for three years.  It is the most helpful, widely used resource that I have ever used in the classroom.  The students refer to the Math Dictionary often, creating an environment which helps them become more independent thinkers.  I have begun recommending this resource to other colleagues as well as my friends and family members.  I am now using it at home with my 4th grade son, and I plan on continued usage of the Math Dictionary for Kids in my classroom.  I truly believe this resource has benefited my students in the classroom and on their standardized testing scores.  Thank you Theresa Fitzgerald for a job well done in creating such a valuable resource for teachers and students of mathematics!
1186114
My 5th grade class really loved reading this. They each felt as though they could relate to the students in the book. I would highly highly recommend!
1952712
I would  say a  5 stars.  Because it tells a story about a  kid in Middle and because I am going into 5th grade.  I would recommend this book to Aaron Steele
3516300
On the first day of school, Gregory Heffley gets a diary to write in. Now don't be fooled. He told his mom he DID NOT want a journal that said DIARY on it. But his mom got him this one. At first he didn't want to write in it but then he started writing in it. Soon he had a whole journal of words! Very funny and entertaining stories about Greg in middle school. I would recommend it to kids ages 7 and up.
4283803
Auggie may look different, but he is really a typical fifth grader. The pressures and successes he goes through are like those of anyone his age. This is one of the best books I have read in quite a while.
2600219
I am a middle school teacher and assigned this book as group reading with some trepidation. I wasn't sure how the book would be received. It has been overwhelming voted the "Best Middle School Reading Assignment" by my group of 7th and 8th graders. We usually take 2 weeks to finish a book of this length. Everyone had finished the book within the first week. The "new" language appealed to my students as did the twist on"Ryder." This is a terrific book for the age level.
2551638
I am a macon state college student, and i read this book it was very good and interesting. i recommend this book to anyone who is thinking about being a teacher. It gives alot of insite on how inner school are and also it gives you a look on children now that are in middle grades. This author went through a lot of trials and tribulation but he made it. He had a good relationship with his students in school as well as outside of the school. I think that is real important now in this century. This book also gives you alook at what children this age go through a lot of pressure is built in their lives.
4977797
Carolyn is an excited young second grader. She is learning to write in cursive.  Like many kids she is really struggling to make her writing look right.  If she finishes early she can play with the hamster or on the computer.  Unfortunately it takes her forever to complete her handwriting and it is not good.  The teacher hangs their papers on the board to show how much they have improved. Carolyn is sad her writing has improved but is still not very good. Her teacher notices this and explains to her how proud she is for all of her hard work.  She knows that people learn at different rates and are great at different things.  She points some of those things out to her.
What made this so great is that the teacher didn't get made because she couldn't do something to "Her" standards. She praised Carolyn for the progress she made, for where she was.  This is what all good teachers should do.
2843870
The Author is fantastic. The book is a great learning experience. I believe if thise were taught in schools from middle school on up, this Country WOULD be the shining city on the hill!!!
963201
Full disclosure: I haven't read the book yet, but Mr. McCutcheon was my math teacher in 6th and 8th grade and all through high school, and he is singlehandedly responsible for making me comfortable and confident with math.  He made math class both fun and challenging, and taught in a way that forced us to use our brains creatively rather than simply memorizing formulas and spitting them back.  If this book is anything like his classes (as the title suggests it is), it would be a wonderful resource for teachers, students, and anyone interested in increasing their knowledge and enjoyment of mathematics.
165179
Dear Aaron Parrish (AKA Jerry Creighton),
I hope I can return the favor and critique a work of yours someday. I promise that when I do, I will not make it a personal attack. I will try to be fair.
I still love teaching, Aaron, and I still do my best every day. I'm truly sorry that you had such a terrible experience in my class. I certainly hope that my poor methods did not land you in a sub-par college.
Best of luck,
Chris Boone Cleveland
1698379
I love this book!  I read it last summer and began using it this past year with my students.  I love the real-life approach Finkle takes towards teaching students to write.  I teach fifth grade, but I was still able to implement many of the strategies and use most of the resources he recommends.
4360478
This book is the best book I have read since becoming a teacher for primary students six years ago.  I wish all PD's could include something as effective as the material presented in this book and video!
I brought it home the first night and watched it all the way through.  I finished reading it the next day!!  I am excited about reviewing the material before school starts.
Lester did a great job reading the story he wrote, Saturday's and Teacakes and actually applying various crafts in his writing.
He is such an excellent source for teachers to learn from.  I loved that he is so insightful, but at the same time, applies a lot of common sense when it comes to writing with students.  We tend to forget this in the hustle and bustle of things!  It was very refreshing and calming to sit and listen to him talk about writing for a while!!!
2917357
SURE WISH I HAD A TEACHER LIKE THAT IN SCHOOL!!! I THINK IT WAS REALLY GOOD TO HEAR FROM A TEACHERS POINT OF VIEW. LOT OF PERSONALLY STUFF CAME OUT BUT THAT THE TEACHER COULD REALLY CONNECT WITH KIDS.
1467973
This book was recommended by a Kindergarten teacher!  She read this to them!  They were so interested and wanted to hear more.  This book was also read to 5th graders and their response was of great interest and the book was never on the book shelf for long!
3561882
Well I just found out that my 5th grader submitted a review. Or in his mind what was a review:
"it was a very interesting book that left me so during what will happen next. sounds like a interesting story."

Here is the cleaned up version of what he wanted to say:

It was a very interesting book that left me wondering what will happen next. It sounds like an interesting story.

He downloaded the first 19 chapters as a sample book on our new Kindle. Guess we are buying it! He loved it and wants to finish it.
3747837
While college should be about quenching a thirst for knowledge, inspiration, and direction, too often it becomes about racing to the finish in pursuit of a paycheck. Prior to meeting Greg Goodale, my experience was much closer to the latter - a misguided attempt at compiling a passable resume. I just wanted any job out of school that would earn me enough money to spend plenty of time at the bars.

Greg changed all that.

He challenged me to question norms. He called me on my BS. He told me point blank that I could change the world if I set my mind to it.

I entered his class in my third year, probably hungover, definitely ready to coast. After a few classes, I was inspired to want more.

Greg's daily advice fostered an environment where students taught each other to open up and dive deep into difficult questions. It challenged even the most confident young minds to rethink their preconceptions and to never settle for mediocrity. For once, it made us eager to attend a class.

I have never grown as much personally and professionally as I did under Greg's tutelage. I have lifelong friends, earned through his fantastic exchange of ideas and I still think of his advice whenever I make a difficult decision.

The fact that his thoughts and recommendations are now available to the masses is a wonderful thing. You will not find Greg preachy or condescending, rather you'll realize his practical advice is there to help you tap into the unique abilities you already possess.

No teacher or mentor has had the incredible impact on my life that Greg has. His unique ability to inspire young people towards greatness is something I hope I can emulate one day.

Trust someone who has seen it first hand when I tell you that you won't regret getting this book. I couldn't possibly recommend Greg's work more.