This book is written in a manner that will provide less experienced
teachers with a step-by-step method, and those teachers with more
experience some new tools to add to their tool bag. There will be
something for everyone to take away. Furthermore, there will be
something that can be used immediately, in any teaching situation.
One of the portions of the book I enjoyed most was the section on the
advantages and disadvantages specialist teachers face. Linsin states
bluntly that regular classroom teachers will always have more influence on their class
than a specialist will. Additionally, he points out that many people (including students)
perceive art, music and PE as less important than other subjects. He counters these
disadvantages by stating that students are usually "already primed to look forward to"
our classes. Linsin offers the advice that finding a way to tap into the passion for our
subject that first drew us in, and then sharing that passion with our students, can draw
students to us effortlessly and naturally.
In my opinion, this book is well worth a read for anyone looking to get a quick
recharging as the new school year starts!
Cindy is a Music Specialist at the Harriet Beecher Elementary School in Brunswick. You can
contact her at [email protected]