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Brick by Brick
Setting the Foundation for a Stable and Joyful Classroom
Presenting information through clearly defined sections—definition, purpose, and examples—author Kjell Fenn provides new and inexperienced teachers with dynamic engagement strategies and a structured approach that builds self-confidence and allows them to work toward creating an orderly and captivating classroom.
Dynamic strategies to build confidence in the classroom
New or inexperienced teachers enter classrooms brimming with passion but often face challenges in engaging students, managing behavior, and developing effective lessons. Using research-supported strategies, author Kjell Fenn guides new teachers through four pillars of successful teaching: planning, structure, engagement, and confidence. Learn how to design assessments, craft lesson plans, and find the structure for students and teachers to experience joy in the classroom.
K–12 new and beginning teachers will:
- Explore the dynamics of student engagement with 16 strategies to promote interest
- Bolster confidence through structured classroom routines
- Create lessons that engage students while satisfying standards and objectives
- Design quality assessments and plan units with confidence
- Collect data on their classroom management and continuously refine their teaching methods
Related Topics
Classroom Management & BehaviorStudent EngagementTeacher Efficacy
Additional Information
"Brick by Brick is packed with wise and insightful guidance for teachers seeking to build their capacity and enhance their classroom management. Kjell Fenn skillfully communicates strategies and methodologies, based on theory and experience. Kjell understands the learning process, and guides teachers toward a higher level of impact, which will lead to increased student success."
"Kjell has had a passion for improving teacher professionalism for the 20 years I have known him. I witnessed that in him from being co-presenters at conferences across America and from teacher training sessions internationally in Canada and Honduras. He brings a vast array of teaching experiences to the pages of this book that are proven successes. Brick-by-Brick ensures that evidence-based research validates his findings and guides. He outlines the importance of student engagement and the teacher’s role in creating an environment to accommodate it. Detailed charts support each chapter assisting with teacher planning followed by reflection questions for further discussion. Kjell’s sense of community permeates the entire book as he facilitates teachers in working toward building commune bono (common good). His four pillars of successful teaching will lead you to that goal. I can attest to the following quote from Kjell as being truthful. 'Of all the educational jobs I’ve had, classroom teaching is my favorite.' Believe it!"
"Kjell Fenn's Brick by Brick is a powerful resource for educators committed to creating a positive and effective classroom environment. Unlike the average teacher PD book, Fenn's work trends not toward the typical but toward the exceptional. His aim is always to guide teachers toward being an exceptional example in their field, finding exceptional ways to teach exceptional truths. To Kjell, there is no exception to this rule!
"With clear, actionable insights, Kjell covers essential topics like classroom management, motivation, planning, structure, engagement, and confidence. His organized approach offers both new and seasoned teachers practical strategies that can be immediately applied. Each chapter concludes with reflection questions and steps to success, making this book a continuous growth tool.
"A standout aspect of Kjell’s work is his ability to blend theory with real-world applications, encouraging educators to adapt and refine their methods. Drawing inspiration from Bruce Lee's philosophy of being 'adaptable like water,' Kjell emphasizes the importance of modifying on the fly and being ready to change plans as needed. His focus on creating a stable, and joyful classroom is both inspiring and practical, aligning perfectly with the goal of fostering a supportive learning environment. Brick by Brick is an exceptional read for educators wanting to establish a style that will make a lasting impact on their students. Kjell’s expertise and passion shine through every page, making it a valuable addition to the library for both teachers and administrators."