Working With Wonder
'A Handbook for Holistic Education in Natural Sciences'
 Working
With Wonder by Ruth Rabinowitz is not a glossy reference book for children. It
is, however, a comprehensive 294 page handbook on sharing natural sciences with
the young.
The book is full of unique resources to assist the teacher, parent or
grandparent to raise the learners level of expectations of themselves and give
them confidence to want to participate in the lesson at whatever level of
learning they are at. It will draw a positive response and the enthusiasm to
investigate our youth's own choice of natural 'wonder'.
As I turned the pages, along the path that Ruth Rabinowitz has traveled to
compile this publication, I re-lived my own life and supplemented a past of my
own - which we all have and can all share with the young developing minds of the
learner. Her valuable handbook is an inspiration to teachers to use those inborn
traits that led them to choosing education as a career.
As a medical doctor and a student of science herself, Dr. Rabinowitz MP, has
meticulously categorized some of the ways that the subjects in all fields of
Natural Science can be enjoyed and understood.
From her experience in creativity groups, dance and drama teaching, she
shares examples for group participation in her valuable publication.
Working with Wonder...
To examine the facts with practical experiment or established confirmation.
To appreciate the myths, their meanings and purpose.
To express silently in mime
To play fairly in the game
To characterize with art *
To express rhythmically in dance
To compose emotionally in drama
To explore memory and meaning in music.
The handbook contains numerous diagrams *(visual learning) in various levels
of difficulty - for ages 6-18 years.
Working With Wonder dedicates a chapter to poetry, with some well known
verses by classic writers as well as some South African poets. Poetry is very
much at the forefront in this handbook. I have found poetry to be one of the
finest ways of understanding, retaining and expressing knowledge as well as
feelings. Teachers will derive great pleasure in sharing and participating in
this time tested holistic teaching method.
Dr. Rabinowitz quotes the late Carl Sagan on the importance of dynamic
education: "As a result of the rapid social and technological changes over
the last few centuries, the World is not working so well. The solution is to
teach people to think, not only analytically, but creatively and conceptually as
well."
As I closed the book, a verse by the late R. L. Stevenson came to mind.
"The World is so full of such wonderful things
We should all be as happy - as happy as kings"
More Information:
Book Title: Working With Wonder 'A Handbook for Holistic Education in Natural
Sciences'
Author: Ruth Rabinowitz
Published Aug. 2002
© Ruth Rabinowitz
ISBN: 0-620-28822-1
For purchasing details e-mail biorabinowitz@yahoo.com
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