Overview

Since its initial publication in hardcover in 2003, Fires in the Bathroom has been through multiple printings and received the attention of teachers across the country. Now in paperback, Kathleen Cushman's groundbreaking book offers original insights into teaching teenagers in today's hard-pressed urban high schools from the point of view of the students themselves. It speaks to both new and established teachers, giving them firsthand information about who their students are and what they need to succeed. Students from across the country contributed perceptive and pragmatic answers to questions of how teachers can transcend the barriers of adolescent identity and culture to reach the diverse student body in today's urban schools. With the fresh and often surprising perspectives of youth, they tackle tough issues such as increasing engagement and motivation, teaching difficult academic material, reaching English-language learners, and creating a classroom culture where respect and success go hand in hand.

Full Product Details

Author:   Kathleen Cushman ,  Lisa Delpit
Publisher:   The New Press
Imprint:   The New Press
Edition:   New edition
Dimensions:   Width: 18.00cm , Height: 1.50cm , Length: 15.50cm
Weight:   0.274kg
ISBN:  

9781565849969

ISBN 10:   1565849965
Pages:   224
Publication Date:   01 September 2005
Audience:   Professional and scholarly ,  Professional & Vocational
Format:   Paperback
Publisher's Status:   No Longer Our Product
Availability:   In Print  
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Table of Contents

Contents Preface ix “And then they set fires in the bathroom, while she was trying to be so friendly.” Introduction by Lisa Delpit xv “Wanted: One teacher. Must be able to listen, even when mad.” 1. Knowing Students Well 1 “If you pay attention, you can see it.” 2. Respect, Liking, Trust, and Fairness 17 “If you see the teacher respect students, you’ll follow that role model.” 3. Classroom Behavior 36 “A lot of people are afraid of teenagers. They think we are these freak humans.” 4. Creating a Culture of Success 62 “He just pushed me to keep my head outa them boys and into the books.” 5. Teaching to the Individual, Working with the Group 85 “One job of a teacher is to be fair to all. Don’t expect the work of one student from another.” 6. Motivation and Boredom 100 “Just saying you need to pass math isn’t enough. Show me how knowing pi is worth something.” 7. Teaching Difficult Academic Material 123 “She snatches history from the past and puts it in my backyard.” 8. Teaching Teenagers Who Are Still Learning English 145 “Sometimes I don’t know how to express who I am.” 9. When Things Go Wrong 162 “Try your best, don’t give up.” 10. Going Beyond the Classroom 175 “It was more fun than in the classroom— and we learned it, too.” Afterword: How We Wrote This Book—and Why It Matters 184 “Has anyone ever asked you questions like this before?” Resources for Teachers 191 Acknowledgments 193 The Students: Brief Biographies 196 Index 199

Reviews

In this book, students get a rare opportunity to voice their opinions about what works and what doesn't in the classroom. - The Los Angeles Times; This book turns the student-teacher relationship upside down... The bits of advice suggest ways to deepen the unspoken bond between students and teachers. - The Chicago Tribune; [Turns] the tables on adults and tells them how to do their jobs. - The New York Times

Author Information

Kathleen Cushman is the author of Fires in the Middle School Bathroom(The New Press). As a writer for What Kids Can Do, Inc., a national nonprofit organization, she works to bring forward the voices of student writers around the nation.She lives in New York City.

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