Brain-Friendly Strategies for the Inclusion Classroom

I am reading this book in a class on neurodiversity. Although some of the neuroscience and other details could use a revised edition, the VAST majority of this book is brilliant and still relevant for creating a classroom where kids with neurodiversity can find success. I highly recommend it.

With the diversity of students increasing in our classrooms today, Dr. Willis's book fills knowledge void that connects brain research to classroom instruction. It is critical for teachers to meet the educational needs of students of all ability levels, including students with a variety of leaning disabilities and gifts. This is the first book I've found that explains what works and why from a comprehensive, brain-friendly perspective. The technical terms were so effectively explained that you will gain a deep understanding about the complex neural function of the brain and how this new knowledge can lead to classroom success. Brain-Friendly Strategies for the Inclusion Classroom gives educators the neuroscience research background and specific classroom strategies to build on all students' strengths and facilitate their growth and engagement. I particularly appreciated Dr. Willis's style of writing and reader-friendly approach that clearly reflects her background in neuroscience and education. The strategies and specific unit lessons, offered as detailed examples, are easy to follow and ready to bring right into the classroom. Today with the pressure of standardized testing and the resulting overly regimented curriculum, educators need help to adapt curriculum so all students can succeed and truly not be left behind. If you are ready to use neuro-logical strategies to effectively and joyfully engage students with a range of abilities, challenges, and gifts in your general education classroom, but don't have time to read all the books that are out there, this is the one to read!Lawrence May, MD

I have come across countless cases where the damage done by educators (and the system), parents, and managers/supervisors at work - goes un-noticed, and un-mitigated. For whatever reason they turn off students (their own children, or their employees) on learning and growing. They end up creating mental blocks for the future, preventing the individual from producing peak performance. This is one of the most hideous and unforgivable acts I know of, and the cost is not calculable.I urge all parents, educators, leaders of educational institutions (colleges, universities, schools, and all others), and managers / supervisors to read and apply what Judy Willis has to say. She has provided simple and practical tips to ensure everyone in the class room (or group) gets included in their own way, without alienation, and progresses to their fullest capacity as far as learning is concerned. The psychology of a student is like a delicate flower, that can wither rather quickly. It needs to be treated with proper care. Judy Willis shows you how - without insulting your intelligence.I rate it a strong buy - if you are interested in any of the following:- raising a successful child, one who can learn and grow forever- teaching (of any kind)- managing a teaching institution- managing a group via playing the role of a mentor rather than a task masterEnjoy the read - it is easy to digest and apply - and make the world a better place!

I am grateful to my adviser and graduate program for ensuring that I learned to teach with this information ingrained in my mind. In fact, I read articles and essays from Judy Willis throughout my graduate program, so I couldn't wait to get my hands on her book. The only possible complaint about this book is that we'd like to see a new edition, complete with more recent findings from brain based education research, and Dr. Willis' work coaching teachers on how to implement these strategies. If you aren't fortunate enough to attend one of her talks or workshops, and few of us are, this book provides the necessary road map to first understanding what we now know about learning and the brain, and second, how to improve our teaching so that we facilitate our students' learning experiences and critical thinking in the classroom. We all know that our educational system needs help, and requiring all teachers to read and implement these strategies would take us much closer to the ideal educational setting. Something that NCLB, standardized testing, and forced collaborative planning with canned curriculum can never achieve.

The concepts are outstanding, and they really do work for the benefit of all students. The book itself was not as interesting to read as it might have been... but the material is quite helpful. I would recommend this book, especially for those to whom brain based teaching is a new concept.

Fantastic book filled with interesting and important information! I highly recommend!

Judy does a good job of explaining different strategies for differentiating instruction in the classroom. The different strategies are very practical and easily adaptable to any classroom type.

Judy Willis has experience as a teacher and has the knowledge of a neuroscientist. If you are looking for strategies to teach students with learning differences, or to teach neuro-typical students, then this book is for you. This is one of the best book I've read in grad school.

If you are looking for a book that discussed strategies for implementing inclusion in a classroom, you owe it to yourself to read this book. It's widely used for discussion at my local university and the ideas are very solid.