“Marc Levitt offers a powerful new perspective on the complex pedagogical and curricular issues surrounding character education. With courage, clarity and conviction, Levitt pleads with us to understand that it is only in authentic concern for the wellbeing of others that one rises to one’s full stature as a rich and authentic individual.”

Clifford Mayes Ph.D, Psy.D, Retired Professor of Educational Psychology, BYU and author

“Through a series of evocative stories and gentle wisdom, Marc Levitt provides a valuable introduction to the ancient human arts of ethical living, sharing and social cooperation.”

David Bollier, author of Think Like a Commoner and blogger @bollier.org

“As a public school superintendent, I was thrilled to see this book become available for educators and those interested in improving school climate across the country. Using cultural references and narrative and applying theory into action, Marc Levitt’s fine work provides practical suggestions for working with young adolescents to help them become more reflective of their own behavior and tolerant of others. Unlike many books promoting effective pedagogy, A Holistic Approach for Cultural Change is less a book of lesson plans and “recipes” and more a book that will open up new avenues for teachers to shift mindsets and establish classrooms that promote greater student agency and mutual understanding. Mr. Levitt’s book should be on every educator’s reading list.”

Jody Ian Goeler, Public school superintendent

“Marc Levitt offers a powerful new perspective on the complex pedagogical and curricular issues surrounding character education. With courage, clarity and conviction, Levitt pleads with us to understand that it is only in authentic concern for the wellbeing of others that one rises to one’s full stature as a rich and authentic individual.”

Clifford Mayes Ph.D, Psy.D, Retired Professor of Educational Psychology, BYU and author

“Through a series of evocative stories and gentle wisdom, Marc Levitt provides a valuable introduction to the ancient human arts of ethical living, sharing and social cooperation.”

David Bollier, author of Think Like a Commoner and blogger @bollier.org

“Marc Levitt’s new book, Changing Curriculum through Stories: Character Education for Ages 10-12, provides upper-grade elementary teachers with an interdisciplinary blueprint to help them teach their students ethical behaviors and decision-making. Major themes addressed include the ramifications of: Gossiping, Teasing, Bullying, Cooperating, Forgiving, and Friendship. Utilizing short narratives, folk tales, fables, and Levitt’s own personal experiences, students are drawn to examine the problematic situations that the various characters find themselves encountering. I believe this book to be a valuable resource for teachers to promote classroom cooperation and support students as they explore and find ‘their better angels.”

Mark Schwartz, retired principal of Salinas City Elementary District, California

Marc Levitt’s book Changing Curriculum through Stories: Character Education for Ages 10-12 is a combination of storytelling and teaching, a book that educators will be able to learn a great deal from. Levitt is able to convey the necessity of reintroducing character education into all of our schools, and gives educators concrete ways to do this.If you are an educator, looking for a way to entertain your students, while at the same time teaching them values that they can practice, then reading Changing Curriculum through Stories: Character Education for Ages 10-12 is the book for you.

Robin Wildman, Grade 5 Teacher, Broad Rock Middle School, South Kingstown, Rhode Island

“A refreshing break from the rule-obsessed manuals that litter the educational market place.“

Tom Armstrong, Author, Multiple Intelligences of Reading and Writing

“This book has some of the strongest writing prompts and examples I have read in a long time!”

Brenda Lynch, Spanish Teacher, Madison High School, SD

“Young writers often don’t grasp what they are being asked to do by their teachers. The author offers  many strategies to make abstract writing concepts more concrete.”

Stacy Gardner Dibble, Fifth-Grade Teacher and Reading Coordinator, Prairie Elementary School, Worthington, MN

“Inventive and original, Marc Levitt’s ideas actually put the fun back in writing—for teachers and for students.”

Susan Ohanian, Senior Fellow, Vermont Society for the Study of Education

“This book is written from years of passionate experience in classrooms with students. It offers a multitude of great ideas for lessons.”

Diana W. McDougal, Art Teacher, East High School, Cheyenne, WY

“With pre-writing and observing activities, targeted lessons, and simple strategies that create a desire to write, Levitt shows us that teaching students to write better is not only possible but fulfilling and fun.”

R. James Stahl, Founder, Merlyn’s Pen Magazine and the New Library of Young Adult Writing

“Lucky for all young writers, Levitt has turned his storytelling talents to talking to teachers in this practical and user-friendly book. Teachers across the curriculum will find Levitt’s suggestions innovative and helpful as he describes how to transition students through the writing process. Always student-centered, Levitt invites us to keep children and their interests at the heart of writing.”

Pat Cordeiro, Professor of Elementary Education, Rhode Island College

“This book is packed with lessons ready for use.”

Jim D’Acosta, Teacher, Fairfield Warde High School, Fairfield, CT