I met educator/author Cary Nadzak at a recent conference I presented at and we traded books.  Her book, “If It Ain’t Broke, Break It” Creating Organized Chaos in the Classroom, is an excellent reference for teachers.  It’s logical, “out-of-the-box” concepts and ideas, will bring energy and fun into the classroom.

There are ideas for the classroom involving popsicle sticks, paper plates, lunch bags, foam coffee cups, stickers, and even plastic Easter eggs!  In addition to the above materials, there are general tips for teaching, ideas for writing and various methods to organize students into groups. 

The book also includes templates for various activities.  My personal favorite is a bureaucracy activity that involves students creating a long paperwork trail answering questions to complete the project….very frustrating for them.

Her book, like mine, is not designed to improve curriculum, it is intended to enhance it.  Delivering material and encouraging students to think and ask questions is when learning takes place.  Cary’s book is a useful tool for this. 

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Be sure to check out Cary’s “idea of the week” and “website of the week” at www.energizetheclassroom.com .

-Paul Richmond

 E.T.C.