An inspiring blueprint that merits further elaboration.
A call to fundamentally reconfigure educational systems so that students can reach their full potential as responsible world citizens.
In this impressively researched work, Vevaina (English/Univ. of Mumbai, Bernice Banana, 2011, etc.) argues that educators must encourage students to peer inward and outward simultaneously, embracing individuality while also exploring interconnectedness with their surroundings—both immediate and global. According to the author, children should start learning about the power of language and the assignation of meanings at a very young age. Likewise, they should engage with authentic multicultural materials, including the study of a second language. In order to achieve a balance among different types of intelligence (rational/serial, emotional/associative, and spiritual/unitive), Vevaina recommends classroom use of poems, stories and myths. The only chapter that’s not entirely convincing addresses the work of Jean Shinola Bolen, who employs Greek mythological figures to create archetypes that represent certain personality traits, strengths and difficulties. Vevaina deflects any criticism of this approach and believes it’s a useful tool for understanding patterns of child behavior rather than an infallible guide, but some readers may prefer more concrete ideas like those in the final chapter, “Walking the Talk.” Here, for instance, the author demonstrates how her vision can be implemented to teach the concept of angles. This lesson plan includes a helpful assessment rubric and extends beyond mathematics to embrace science, nature, art, architecture, sports and cuisine. Overall, Vevaina displays a wide range of knowledge. Quotations of supportive material are well-chosen and illustrative yet sometimes overwhelming in their sheer volume. The result is a dense text that may hinder some readers. When Vevaina writes in her own voice, however, the prose is clear and persuasive: “If we pour fresh, deliciously flavoured milk into a pot which is full of curdled milk, it will surely curdle.” In other words, creative ideas alone will not make the required changes; a structural reconsideration of current educational norms and practices is necessary.
An inspiring blueprint that merits further elaboration.Pub Date: March 1, 2013
ISBN: 978-1477242599
Page Count: 124
Publisher: Xlibris
Review Posted Online: June 19, 2013
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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