Active Learning: Increasing Flow in the Classroom.

ACTIVE LEARNING: Increasing Flow in the Classroom. Pat Hollingsworth and Gina Lewis. Norwalk, CT: Crown House Publishing Limited, 2006. 208 pp. $27.95. This is a well-written, easy to follow book, offering creative ideas to help enhance the learning process. It is based on a "Flow" approach, which is defined as a state in which people are so involved in an activity that they lose all sense of time. The authors have created practical lesson plans that truly get students immersed in activities.

The book is broken down into three parts: creating an atmosphere for flow, active learning in the arts, and active learning everywhere. Each chapter begins with measurable learning objectives, as well as discussion examples on how to get students excited about a topic. Each lesson includes practice activities, evaluation tools and activities, and extension activities.

As an educator, what I enjoyed most about the book is the way the lessons effectively engage multiple intelligences. For example, Chapter 8, titled "Copland's Rodeo," focuses on musical/rhythmic intelligence. Although it is intended for grades pre-K through 12, I think this book will be most useful for educators teaching 1st through 8th grade. It successfully motivates and engages students in exploring the arts. Reviewed by Lakesha Colzie Jones, Kindergarten Teacher, Joe Hall Elementary School, Miami-Dade County Public Schools.