Book description
An empowering guide for parents and teachers seeking a positive, practical alternative to the confusion and struggles of middle school."A must-read for anyone who has a tween or works with tweens." - Madeline Levine, New York Times bestselling author of The Price of Privilege and Ready or NotHow can parents stay close with their children through middle school? How do we help middle schoolers discover who they are, enjoy friendships, and manage their growing emotions? What kinds of learning experiences will keep them curious and motivated?These and more questions are answered in this highly engaging and informed guide to the middle school years. Chris Balme draws on his experience as a middle school founder, principal, and teacher, together with the latest adolescent neuroscience. He shows what is going on in the brains of middle schoolers, and how that affects everything from their friendships to the way they relate to parents or show up in a classroom.Parents will gain insight into how to transform their parenting to help middle schoolers find greater independence, connect well with peers, and have the deepest learning possible in and out of school. Educators will learn about the developmental keys to making middle school a place of belonging, with deep social and emotional learning and academics that draw out students' full motivation and potential.Praise for Finding the Magic in Middle School"I love Finding the Magic in Middle School - as a parent of tweens, an educator, and a school design innovator. Chris's love for young people and the awkward but powerful path of self-discovery they travel in the middle school years is obvious, and its clarity inspires us to see and want to enable the magic. Weaving together brain research, storytelling, and design insights, Chris breaks us free from the old narrative of adolescence."- Kim Smith, Co-Founder of NewSchools Venture Fund and Pahara Institute"What Chris Balme calls the "Ultimate Underdogs"-middle schoolers-are in for a better time of it now that he's written this book. After 20 years of working with this underestimated, under-trusted, under-stimulated swath of humanity, Balme has distilled what they need most, and how to give it to them. Hint: It doesn't look like your old social studies class."- Lenore Skenazy, author of Free Range Kids
About the Author
CHRIS BALME has led two innovative middle schools, trained thousands of parents and teachers, and received the Ashoka Fellowship for his work as a leading global changemaker in education. He is endlessly curious about how we raise wise, loving, and capable young people. Chris lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with his wife and three children. Find him at www.chrisbalme.com.
Pusher
With this app, my daily routines have become moments of intellectual discovery and personal fulfillment. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a true savior for immersive listening, even in busy surroundings. ListenBook Pro is totally worth it. Unlimited audiobook length β I'm in! Adjustable playback speed and volume control are top-notch. Solid performance overall though some character voices sounded too similar. I occasionally got confused about who was speaking in dialogue-heavy scenes.
Juice Petite
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. π§ Carrying a world of literature in my headphones β this app's convenience is truly remarkable. ππ«
Nessie
I'm grateful for ListenBook's seamless compatibility with a variety of formats β it's a true lifesaver. ListenBook is a true audio treasure! It turns my own audio files into immersive listening experiences. ListenBook's support for network device downloads and drag-and-drop is a time-saving delight. I love how this app's user-friendly interface allows me to navigate through chapters and controls effortlessly. Binaural audio reduces listening fatigue. Such a great feature!
Flakes
I've found solace in listening to audiobooks before bed β it's my form of meditation. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a blessing for enjoying clear audio in any environment. This app has brought storytelling into every corner of my life β it's incredible. With this app, reading is as simple as pressing play β it's genius!
Fadey
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. Audiobooks have become my travel companions, and this app is my guide. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay and Apple Watch integration is a brilliant touch. Noise reduction and voice tone adjustment are simply amazing.
Star Killer
The 'Continue Listening' feature ensures I never lose my place, no matter where I am. πΆββοΈπ This app's functionality makes every walk an adventure β I'm immersed in stories as I explore the world around me. ποΈπ User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is impressive.
Beo
I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true. πΆββοΈπ§ Walking has never been this productive β exploring new worlds while I exercise! ποΈπ«
Divine Quasar
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Proper
Listening to audiobooks has turned mundane tasks into enjoyable experiences. I'm absolutely in love with this app! The interface is so intuitive and user-friendly. πΆββοΈπ± I'm exploring new worlds while on the move, all thanks to this app's seamless functionality. ποΈπ ListenBook has elevated my audiobook experience to new heights. It's a treasure trove of knowledge.
Abyss Tamer
The captivating narrators make each story come alive in a unique way. Thanks for making my daily commute to work enjoyable and engaging! This app has brought the magic of books back into my life. I love how ListenBook makes it easy to organize my audiobook library. The app supports all formats, and the import process is a breeze. The playback controls are responsive, and the sound quality is excellent. Highly recommend!
EchoExplorer
π Grooving to the rhythm of stories while tackling household chores β a dance of productivity! πΆπ Automatic artwork and metadata retrieval is a time-saver. My library looks fantastic.
VisionVoyager
π₯ Streamlined functionality that's music to my ears β audiobook enjoyment has reached a new level of convenience. π΅π Downloading audiobooks over WiFi is super easy. Saves time. The app is so easy to use. I was up and running in minutes.
Alley Fiend
I love how this app makes even the most mundane tasks exciting with audio stories. π‘ Embracing audiobooks while tidying up the house β it's like having a helper! π π ListenBook's compatibility with a wide array of audio formats makes it my ultimate audiobook companion.
NecroBull
ListenBook has become my trusted companion, guiding me through the realms of imagination. This app is my constant companion, making every moment a chance to discover new worlds. ππ Rekindling my passion for books β this app has sparked a reading revolution in my daily life! π₯π Finally, an app that lets me enjoy audiobooks without worrying about file formats! I love the ability to customize the skip buttons. Itβs so convenient.
Aqua Diva
The Looping playback and Shuffle features on ListenBook help me customize my listening sessions to my liking. πΆββοΈπ§ Enjoying the great outdoors while immersing myself in fantastic tales β walking never felt this magical! ποΈπ Sharing audiobooks with friends is a thoughtful gesture that ListenBook makes seamless. ListenBook has become an essential part of my daily routine. It's like having a library on my phone! ListenBookβs audio quality is excellent. The app enhances my listening experience.
Sleek Zelda
I'm amazed at how this app has made reading such a natural part of my day. I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into every nook and cranny of my day. Streamlined audiobook integration β this app's usability is truly impressive.
Stealth
This app has turned even my mundane tasks into exciting learning opportunities. The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks.
Bliss
Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my personal audiobooks, lectures, and speeches effortlessly. Chapters, configurable auto-rewind, and bookmarks on ListenBook keep me in control of my content. ListenBook's customizable audio filters are a game-changer for tailoring my audiobook playback. The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient.
3D Waffle
ListenBook's configurable auto-rewind after interruptions is a smart addition that keeps me on track. ListenBook's user-friendly interface and quick controls make it my preferred choice for audiobook enjoyment. Automated artwork and metadata extraction add a professional touch to my audiobook collection. The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books while exercising.
Berry Succubus
With this app, I'm experiencing the joy of reading in a whole new light. π Adding excitement to everyday tasks β this app is my partner in productivity! ππ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is a unique tool that adds a touch of creativity to my listening experience.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience