Product reviews for The Little Book of Music for the Classroom

This is a perfect little book.

It is not too long; it is not too theoretical; it does not oversimplify the very complex field of neuro-science; nor does it oversimplify the complex process of teaching and behaviour management; it is not too indulgent; it is not too didactic.

It could have been all of these things. Nina Jackson has clearly engaged with the research of others and undertaken her own research and she could have made the book longer and deeper by including her studies and findings. She rightly draws attention to the vast literature on learning, the brain, and behaviour management but does not complicate this work by including too much detail. This works well because it gives this book credibility without losing the practical dimension.

Sometimes it is difficult for people who are devoted to a particular technique or style to avoid being didactic. She could have made the approaches to managing challenging behaviour seem simple and told teachers:do this. She doesnt. Its very much a book which says this worked for me” and many others. Try it.

It is well written. Teachers and parents will relate to the personal stories in the early sections and identify with the challenges Nina faced. Her personal achievements in finding a solution through music provide an excellent feel good factor throughout the book.

It is well structured. Each section provides suggested resources for different occasions and purposes and has a wealth of practical suggestions clearly written by a successful and stimulating professional.

It is well balanced. It has its own notes of caution and even a section which reminds us that silence can be golden too!

Overall it is a book well worth buying and using. It also contains an interesting and varied selection of music that can be used in a range of circumstances. It stimulates the reader to engage with the music. I shall start by going out to find Gabriels Oboe by Ennio Morricone.