Product Description
Harnessing the Wind: The Art of Teaching Modern Dance gives you the theoretical knowledge, the practical tips, and the inspiration to prepare the next generation of dancers to meet the demands of contemporary dance.

This book combines information about constructing and presenting a dance class with personal reflections about the art of teaching modern dance and integrating somatic theories, scientific research, and contemporary aesthetic practices. It provides new teachers with a solid theoretical base and incites experienced teachers to reexamine and revitalize their teaching.

The book asks dance instructors to make conscious choices about what, why, and how they teach. Advocating an individualistic approach, it helps teachers understand how their personal dance interests and interpretations influence their teaching styles. Part I, "The Vision," provides a philosophical perspective. It defines the role of technique and explores the delicate job of nurturing the artist during the quest for technical control. Part II, "Class Preparation," is where the planning process takes shape. This section shows how to

• set strategies and realistic goals to lay the groundwork for a carefully built progression of movement skills;
• use rituals to facilitate centering;
• safely incorporate conditioning principles into dance training, thus encouraging the development of powerful and resilient dancers;
• understand the interplay between gravity and rhythm, space and energy to shape phrasing; and
• sequence exercises effectively using helpful graphs and planning guides.

Part III, "Class Presentation," covers essential issues such as pacing, making good corrections, building images to enhance movement learning, and collaborating successfully with musicians. Finally, part IV, "Professional Concerns," embraces important issues that touch the teaching professional, such as how to objectively analyze and critique a very subjective subject—the body—and how to maintain a healthy body, mind, and spirit.

Learning Aids: Investigations and Reflections

Each chapter is followed by a series of investigations and a reflection designed to challenge and inspire students and teachers. The investigations are concise exercises that explore theories both in and out of the classroom. They cover a range of activities including writing, drawing, chart making, observing, and experiential processing. The reflections provide insight to a dancer’s world. Told through the eyes of a dance teacher, these narratives unveil the intangibles that are taught in dance, such as breathing, centering, playfulness, presence, and discipline.

Teacher Resources

The appendixes are full of practical tools, including a sample syllabus, sample grading policies, placement goals for four levels of technique, and assessment and evaluation forms.

Throughout the book, abstract and highly imagistic photographs by dance photographers Erika Dufour and William Frederking provide a powerful visual stimulus that captures mood, motion, and emotion.

This book provides dance students the information and theory necessary to begin the task of teaching. For seasoned teachers, it will inspire new questions and introduce new possibilities. Either way, readers will unleash a world of potential with Harnessing the Wind. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Modern dance
I recommend this book to seasoned as well as aspiring dance teachers. I think it broadens one's perspective on dance. I was looking for specific dance steps to incorporate in dance class. However, this gave me an even broader base in which the creative abilities can be neverending! It provides a great structure and foundation for teaching dance of creative movement or modern dance. ... Read more

Product Description
Played by more than thirty million boys and girls across the country, youth sports have turned from a casual activity for kids into a fanatical force–an intense, expensive, elitist rite of passage driven by the needs of impatient (if often well-meaning) adults. In Game On, award-winning ESPN reporter Tom Farrey explores the causes and consequences of our obsession with early success in sports. The effort to sort the strong from the weak at ever-younger ages, Farrey argues, pushes too many children to the sidelines–and ultimately undermines the quality of U.S. national teams. We’ve conscripted our kids into a sports arms race in which individual performance trumps participation and personal growth. To counter the effects of a win-at-all-costs culture, Farrey suggests measures that can help parents–and communities–get children off the couch without running them into the ground.

Much as Fast Food Nation challenged our eating habits and Outliers encouraged us to think in new ways about high achievers, Game On will change the way we look at the critically important games that American kids play. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Very important topic, well written book.
The main idea of the book is well described in its subtitle. Anyway, the main message is that with the increase in popularity of professional and college sports, and the money involved (both salaries and and scholarships), kids are getting cut out from organized sports activity in very early ages. This in turn leads to various problem such as inactive kids,decrease in recreational sportive activities, and missing out talents that happen to be late bloomers in terms of their physical development.

Each chapter in the book describe a topic according to age development. Chapter 1 deals with the race of getting good genetic material, chapter 2 continues with grooming infants and so on. The books is clearly written, and contains a wide selection of topics including genetic material, infants training (e.g., tiger wood), high school sports, the hunt for sports scholarships, and sports compatibilities tests for kids. The research work seems very broad and impressive.

One thing that I do want to point out is that the main point of the book is well understood after the first couple of chapters. Following that, youfind yourself reading about different stories from different sports, but they feel a little repetitive at times, as the main idea and message have already sunk. I would easily remove at least 3 or 4 chapters from the middle in the book to get a better overall reading experience, without losing any significant information.

Another point that was really bothering me is that the author gives European basketball as an example for a reasonable way to develop players. I must say, as one who is well familiar with the European system,that these examples are very inaccurate (to say the least). For example, the same one team per school problem is also happening when the club itself manage the various age based teams. Without going into details, I'll just say that in contrast to the picture the author tries to paint, Basketball in Europe is almost non-existing. The euro-league is equivalent to the NBDL in terms of its playing level and spectators. The rosters are full of American college graduates and NBA drop-outs that are passing time and paychecks until the next NBA tryout.

To sum up, very interesting, engaging, and thought provoking read. ... Read more

Product Description
Books that deliver sound advice and encouragement to high school coaches--and written by qualified and experienced people-are rare or nonexistent. Here's one.

We all want to win, and COACHING 101--featuring a foreword by NFL Hall of Famer Otto Graham--shows how. But this "Bible of Basics" is also designed to help cultivate a more positive learning atmosphere and to enrich staff rapport. It will help all coaches become better at what they do.

Coaching has always been hard work. Today, it's staggering. Where can young coaches turn for practical and proven guidelines to build solid programs, mold crucial relationships, and do things "the right way?"

Where can experienced coaches turn for reinforcement of their beliefs about "how it should be done" in high school sports?

College textbooks and methods courses lack practical instruction on how to lead high-schoolers through positive athletic experiences.

One good new idea is worth far more than the price of a book.

TABLE OF CONTENTS: ForwardChapter 1 -- Why?Part I -- Your ProgramChapter 2 -- Coaching's ChallengeChapter 3 -- Philosophy and StyleChapter -- 4 X's and O'sChapter 5 -- Program DevelopmentChapter 6 -- Teaching and MotivationChapter 7 -- PracticePart II -- RelationshipsChapter 8 -- The AthletesChapter 9 -- The Coaching StaffChapter 10 -- The ClassroomChapter 11 -- OfficialsChapter 12 -- ParentsChapter 13 -- The CommunityChapter 14 -- College RecruitersChapter 15 -- The MediaPart III -- SundriesChapter 16 -- Boys and Girls TogetherChapter 17 -- Getting the JobChapter 18 -- Godspeed! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Not Systematic, But Quite Helpful
Because of the title, I was expecting a more methodical treatment of coaching: job descriptions, basic expectations, evaluations, etc.But what it lacked in organization, the author made up for in his "homespun" wisdom.He obviously has a lot of insights into coaching from years of experience.Using broad brush strokes about strategy, motivation, relationships, and philosophy, I think the author captures the heart of coaching.Excellent book for coaches with various years of experience.I would've rated the book five stars if he was more methodical. ... Read more

Product Description
The Outward Bound EARTHBOOK is a field guide to environmental concerns compiled from activities created by Outward Bound staff. It is intended to assist any teacher or parent, and any student or friend of Nature, who wants to learn about, teach about, better understand, more fully appreciate, and participate in healing our environment.

Dozens of activities provide leaders and students an opportunity for experiential education about ecological issues. The EARTHBOOK's perspective is eco-centered rather than human-centered. Thus the EARTHBOOK challenges us to realize our connections with each other and with the planet which sustains us.

The EARTHBOOK is not just a book of activities. It can be used as a book of readings - it includes many quotations from great naturalists of the past and present as well as reflections from Outward Bound students. These readings can be shared around a campfire, contemplated in solitude, or discussed in a classroom. They serve as inspiration for each of us as we seek our own unique relationship with Nature.

All royalties from the sale of this book will be used for environmental education projects. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

I wish I could find the 1st Edition
But I'm happy to have the 2nd edition. This book is a must-have for people who love the wilderness and desire to share their love with others. It's written so simply that even those who wouldn't consider themselves 'teachers' or 'educators' can use the lessons easily and effectively. What I love about the book is that these lessons can be used in true wilderness settings or in urban settings. My "Methods of Environmental Education" instructor had the 1st edition, which I borrowed for a few weeks...I really loved how that one was put together, but this one works too! ... Read more

Product Description
A sportswriter for the San Francisco Chronicle examines one basketball season at the Skyline High School, one of the schools from the legendary Oakland Athletic League, to explore the intimate relationship between inner-city youth and basketball. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Awesome.
I don't even know if this book is in prin anymore but, if it is, any sports fan should read it. It is similar to Friday Night Lights, The Last Shot, The Right Kind of Heroes and several books that have been written following one high school team through one year of their season. This chronicles one inner city high school team from Oakalnd and their quest to win the city championship. It follows everything surrounding the players-the one being recruited by every major college football program in the country, the lone whote player in the entire league, the up and coming superstar, the thug hoping to get his life straightened out...this book has it all. It is amazing that the author was given the access to these obviously skeptical players lives that he was and the way he details it is captivating beyond words.

Must read for parents of future high school kids.
This book is a must read for any youth coach of any sport and for any parent thinking of sending a kid to a inner city public high school.Filled with facts and statistics of graduation rates, medium grade pointaverages and anecdotal stories of tough young lives.If you're at allinterested in why the Afican American young male has so many chips stackedagainst him from day one then read this book. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from JOPERD--The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance, published by American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD) on May 1, 1998. The length of the article is 2909 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

From the supplier: Sport education basically provides experiences that are more whole and actual that conventional physical education sport education and are meant to provide students with chances to experience sport in a rich, meaningful way. Physical education classes under the sport education model are designed to maintain and enhance the most outstanding features of sports experiences while making sure that they are sound educationally. Secondary physical education programs in relation to the sport education framework is evaluated.

Citation Details
Title: Changing the face of secondary physical education through sport education.(Sport Education)
Author: Diana Jones
Publication: JOPERD--The Journal of Physical Education, Recreation & Dance (Refereed)
Date: May 1, 1998
Publisher: American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD)
Volume: v69Issue: n5Page: p40(5)

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Product Description
This digital document is an article from Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, published by Thomson Gale on June 1, 2005. The length of the article is 8951 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The relationship between qualified personnel and self-reported implementation of recommended physical education practices and programs in U.S. schools.
Author: Kristen S. Davis
Publication: Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (Magazine/Journal)
Date: June 1, 2005
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 76Issue: 2Page: 202(10)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, published by Thomson Gale on February 1, 2007. The length of the article is 435 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Caseloads of public school adapted physical educators in the United States.(SPECIAL POPULATIONS)
Author: Iva Obrusnikova
Publication: Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 78Issue: 1Page: A-101(1)

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Customer Reviews (1)

Based on a True Story
As a fan of high school football it this book was a very enjoyable read.It was nice to relive some great moments from the past while learning about some others.This book features some of the legendary teams, programs, coaches, and players.It also details some of the legendary games.

I am concerned about the number of errors I found just in the sections pertaining to the school that I am familiar with.At one point it said a player graduated in 1965 then named him as a running back on the 1968 team.

I would recommend this book but also treat it like a movie that is advertised as being based on a true story. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, published by Thomson Gale on February 1, 2007. The length of the article is 425 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Parental role in reducing television viewing in kindergartners: findings from a national study.(HEALTH)
Author: John T. Foley
Publication: Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 78Issue: 1Page: A-27(2)

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more

Product Description
Based on the author's personal experience and observation of lessons, this analysis of classroom technique advises teachers on maintaining sound discipline, working out an effective learning procedure, and establishing good relationships with the pupils. Its topics include presentation and questioning techniques, shaping a lesson effectively, classroom layout and displays, establishing good working procedures and conventions and routines, report writing, relationships with parents, and handling the pressures of the teaching year. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, published by Thomson Gale on February 1, 2007. The length of the article is 420 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Elementary physical educators' beliefs regarding selected adapted physical education competencies.(SPECIAL POPULATIONS)
Author: Suzanna Rocco Dillon
Publication: Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 78Issue: 1Page: A-97(1)

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With their non-educational feel and a wide variety of different sporting theme, "Sports Zone" uses a fresh approach to provide top quality, lower ability reading materials. It encourages readers by using topics of interest including snowboarding, football, mountain biking, wind-surfing, ice-hockey, Formula 1, athletics and swimming. It improves readers' ability across three controlled levels of reading difficulty (6.5 to 9.5). It features short, highly illustrated, manageable chapters capturing the attention of readers. Attractive covers and paperback style remove the stigma of special needs. It provides an integrated approach by offering supporting material online including downloadable worksheets, extra stories and interactive activities. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, published by Thomson Gale on February 1, 2007. The length of the article is 436 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Problem-based learning on critical thinking end movement skill performance in elementary physical education.(PEDAGOGY)
Author: Kuo-Tung Shih
Publication: Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 78Issue: 1Page: A-72(2)

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Product Description
This digital document is an article from Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport, published by Thomson Gale on February 1, 2007. The length of the article is 486 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Selected attributes related to teaching a student labeled attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
Author: Hosung So
Publication: Research Quarterly for Exercise and Sport (Magazine/Journal)
Date: February 1, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 78Issue: 1Page: A-103(2)

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Focusing mainly on school health education, this text describes a step-by-step process for programme planning and curriculum development. It gives practical examples to aid classroom instruction and details health education in non-school settings. ... Read more

Product Description