Reviews of Teaching Out of the Box
Making History Fun
In Stan Cody's friendly, conversational land often
humorous approach, mnemonics, acronyms, poems, songs and song parodies,
rhymes and other memory tools (including Stan's own "memorics") add an
element of pure joy to the challenge of learning complicated history
timelines, names of all the United States presidents (in order), parts
of speech, major events, names and more. - Sharing Ideas
magazine, December 2006
Amazon.com readers give Stan Cody's book 5
stars and say:
Impressive, Imaginative, Winner
of a book -
As an educator, I can relate to Mr. Cody's beliefs. His book
only verifies and encourages me, and others who are in education, to go
beyond what is minimal ............... All of us, in one sense or
another, are teachers. He shares practical tools that can be used to
reach students. I know I will use this book and share it with others.
- By Tom C. Greer "author of A New Home for
Honey" (Dallas, TX) -
Innovative and Creative Lesson
Planning -
Stan Cody’s “Teaching Out of the Box” is filled with
sample lesson plans, unique artwork, and delightful photos that transform
the stereotyped classroom into a stage for “Historical Extravaganzas.”
Cody challenges teachers to step out of their comfort zone and teach by
doing the unexpected. His examples of “Teaching Out of the Box” include:
using new methods, varying your teaching approach, and using student
participation. He includes association songs, illustrations, creative
ideas, and diverse approaches to motivate your students.
As I read Stan’s book my mind went back to my high school
history classes. I was reminded of the dull lectures, and the class time
spent in reading the text. I found I was envying Stan’s students. In fact
I was motivated to review and memorize his history time line, and to
relearn the order of the Presidents of the United States.
Cody’s book is a valuable tool. I wish it had been
available when I was facilitating classrooms and training teachers. He
gives suggestions and instructions for “food preservation the early
American way.”
This book is a tremendous resource for implementing new
ideas in today’s classroom. Stan provides the basis you as a classroom
teacher will need to develop your own creative imagination to implement a
student centered learning environment. Stan closes the book with a
comprehensive and valuable bibliography of suggested printed and on-line
resources.
The current emphasis on “exit exams”, for high school
students makes this a particularly timely and important work.
- by
Richard R. Blake, educator, San Leandro, CA -
Teachers desiring to improve always look for books to hone
their skills. TEACHING OUT OF THE BOX is veteran teacher Stan Cody’s
contribution to his colleagues. More than just offering useful tips, the
book encourages teachers to bring learning alive. Mr. Cody’s philosophy of
education, use of humor and enthusiasm and love for teaching is clearly
communicated throughout his easy-to-read book. Many suggestions deal with
American History, but tips for teaching Science, English and Math are also
included. TEACHING also has many ideas to help students make learning
connections through mnemonics, timelines and active participation.
Teaching Out of the Box is a down-to-earth book that helped me question
how I could improve my own teaching. - Gary
Ciesla
I thoroughly enjoyed Teaching Out of the Box. Lots of good
ideas. I think it will be a winner for teachers looking for creative
ideas. –– Jerry Ray, Ed.D., Principal
A clever, witty and intelligent piece of work. Amusing
and passionate and a MUST for educators. –– Joseph Kawaja, MS, Marriage and Family Therapist/#MFC 9335, Specializing
in the Treatment of Individuals and Adolescents
The reader will both enjoy and benefit from this book.
Author Stan Cody, a veteran teacher, reveals his formula for success –
how to make teaching and learning fun while achieving lasting results.
Stan brings life to lessons as he connects students with history.
Through divergent approaches he motivates students to learn through
demonstration and then by doing. Teaching Out of the Box is a worthwhile
read for the insight and ideas it provides into teaching American
history. Thanks to Stan Cody for sharing his exciting methods.
–– Don Brann, Ed.D., Superintendent, Wiseburn
School District
Stan Cody has taught school for more than 33 years in Southern
California. He draws upon those many years of experience and expertise
in "Teaching Out-of-the-Box": A Teacher's
Guide To Making History Fun...And More is provide novice
classroom teachers with a series of tools (including mnemonics,
acronyms, and wild stories) designed to elicit laughter and delight from
children while drawing them into learning history and other subjects
with zest and enjoyment. A 194-page compendium of accessible,
applicable, practical, inventive, ingenious, effective, and wonderfully
creative teaching methods to transform any static classroom into a
vibrant forum of eagerly engaged young minds, "Teaching Out Of The Box"
should be considered "must reading" for beginning classroom teachers --
and has a great deal to offer even the more seasoned classroom
instructor -- regardless of what the curriculum subject matter might be!
- Midwest Book Review
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