Learning Disabilities and Challenging Behaviors: A Guide to Intervention and Classroom Management , by Nancy Mather and Sam Goldstein, 2001, Paul Brookes Publishing Co., Baltimore , MD ($66.95) www.parentbooks.ca

From their wide experience in the field of special education and learning disabilities the authors have developed a unique framework for understanding classroom learning and behaviour, which they call the Building Blocks of Learning. The first layer, called the Foundational Blocks, includes Attention and Impulse Control, Emotions and Behaviour, Self-Esteem, and the Learning Environment. These four form the support systems for the higher levels, first of all the Symbolic Blocks: Visual, Auditory and Motor (processing). At the highest level are the Conceptual Blocks: thinking with Language, Images (visual patterns and designs) and Strategies (executive functions).

For each building block there is a chapter with descriptions and classroom interventions. This book contains a wealth of useful information for educators.

Educating our Children: The Guide to Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening Activities , by Pierre Gauvin, 2004, Structum Publications, Timmins , ON ($24.95) www.structurum.ca

This Canadian educator has just published a book of over 200 game-like activities to help children practice language-related academic skills. These activities can be done in the classroom or on an individual basis, by teachers, parents or tutors, and can be adapted to different levels.

Universal Instructional Design in Postsecondary Settings: An Implementation Guide , by Jim Bryson, 2003. Learning Opportunities Task Force, Richmond Hill , ON (The book can be downloaded from the LOTF website: www.lotf.ca , under About LOTF , then Reports ).

Jim Bryson of Georgian College worked on a pilot project funded by LOTF that introduced the principles of Universal Instructional Design (UID) to postsecondary students and faculty. This approach is useful for teaching all students, whether or not they have disabilities, and to some extent reduces the need for individual accommodations. In his book Jim Bryson gives a history of UID, explains the rationale and principles, and guides instructors through the implementation process.

Overcoming Dyslexia: A New and Complete Science-Based Program for Reading Problems at Any Level , by Sally Shaywitz, MD, 2003, Alfred A. Knopf, New York , NY , ($28.95).

Dr. Sally Shaywitz has been one of the primary researchers in a substantial body of research on reading and learning disabilities funded by the National Institutes of Health in the U.S. Dr. Shaywitz explains the neurological basis of reading disabilities, i.e. “how the brain reads” and the growing evidence on why some individuals struggle in learning to read. She uses very straightforward language in her explanations, and gives detailed recommendations on how to teach reading to beginning readers, dyslexic students, and adults who continue to struggle with reading. There is also a comprehensive chapter on accommodations. This book will be a classic in the field of learning disabilities.

Marshmallow Math: Early Math for Toddlers, Preschoolers and Primary School Children , by Trevor Schindeler, 2002, Trafford Publishing , Victoria , BC , www.trafford.com , ($19.95)

In this innovative book, Trevor Schindeler outlines a progression of concrete activities to help young children learn math concepts and have fun at the same time. He starts with counting and one-to-one correspondence, then deals with patterns, understanding money, and spatial awareness. He also covers more complicated ways of dealing with number concepts – multiplication, division and fractions. Parents and teachers of young children will find this book very helpful.