This book is designed to help teachers learn to go the distance and inspire students It's for fresh-out-of-college music education graduates wishing to sit down with a been-there-done-that music teacher and "pick her brain" before facing that first day of school. It's for veteran teachers interested in TRICKS to de-stress their careers and make work more enjoyable. It's for those who could use some rejuvenation and spice back into their professional lives. This book is an information-packed, entertaining, proven and practical WORKSHOP in a book with every day language, about every day situations, in the every day classroom. THESE TRICKS ARE FOR KIDS offers: Answers to your questions about discipline and being disciplined. Valuable insights into extra duties like writing mission statements, philosophies, goals, letters of recommendation, and designing a detailed substitute folder. Great ideas on developing peer and student relationships. Suggestions on how to motivate and be motivated. Bulletin board ideas, classroom appearance, and decorating on a teacher''s budget. Solutions for creating interesting and uniquely-formatted lesson plans, lesson presentations, plus things to do on that scary first day of school. Great insights into performances, performance prep, and costuming. Simplification of not-so-simple topics. And, tons of tiny teaching tips that will help you transition from the academic nest. "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." William A. Ward I enjoyed reading Debbie Gray's book as much as I enjoy walking into her classroom. Sometimes I come back early from my plan period just to slip into theroom and watch the children delight in the experiences they have in her music room. Tricks of the Trade may have been written for music teachers, but the ideas for classroom management could be successfully used in any classroom that has a caring, enthusiastic, loving teacher. This would be a great gift book for any new teacher and has so many ideas that even some experienced teachers could find a wealth of techniques to explore to make teaching and learning fun. -Melanie Caywood, teacher You don't have to be a Veterinarian to enjoy "All Things Bright and Beautiful" and you don't have to be a teacher to find many wise and useful tricks collected and revealed in Debbie Grays entertaining book. Like her performances, the manuscript has energy, polish, and fun. Parents, camp leaders, anyone who works with children or adults will find fascinating stories, thoughtful quotations, and fun techniques. Be warned: there are a few experiences recounted that may change you. Randy Peterson, parent