Book Review: "Just Give Him the Whale: 20 Ways to Use Fascinations, Areas of Expertise, and Strengths to Support Students with Autism"
Authors: Paula Kluth and Patrick Schwarz
Publisher (Date): Paul H Brookes Publishing (2008)
Recommended for: primarily teachers, but could also be helpful for parents and caregivers.
Summary: A collection of twenty tips, with examples, on how to use a student's interests in the classroom, school, and community.
Review: Paula Kluth and Patrick Schwartz have done it again! These authors have created another valuable, useful guide for teachers. "Just Give Him the Whale" provides information on what teachers can do to help students who have "deep, consuming fascinations" to increase communication, reduce anxiety, facilitate inclusion, and learn academic content.
It did leave me wanting more in-depth information about how the ideas presented could be expanded for general use in the classroom; but I think this book is a helpful guide and I would highly recommend it to every teacher of students with autism. I found that the ideas presented were very relevant and practical for both general education and special education teachers. I believe that if the ideas were used, it would help increase student motivation, reduce many challenging behaviors, and help create a positive, caring classroom community. According to "Just Give Him the Whale," all of this can be done in a way that is positive and respectful to students with autism.
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