What are Teacher Reviewers Saying About Our Bloom's Taxonomy Teaching Guides?

Recently, we received feedback on Levels of Understanding: Macbeth from teachers on the Prestwick House National Curriculum Advisory Board.

Instead of teaching your students how to answer questions about a particular text, these title-specific literature guides will help them develop the skills to critically evaluate literature and develop the knowledge and habits required by the Common Core State Standards.

Each Prestwick House Levels of Understanding Guide allows you to take Bloom’s taxonomy out of the theoretical realm and put it into full practice in your classroom, as well as guaranteeing that each and every title you teach will get your students another step closer to their goal of college and career readiness.

"The presentation of historical information appears at the beginning and increases the likelihood that students will grasp elements of the play more easily and make historical and cultural connections that will allow student ownership of the material."

"The variety and complexity of questions will allow students a more complete exposure and knowledge of the play. They will be forced to think to answer the questions. Collaboration will prevent frustration at dealing with the more difficult concepts. I like the presentation of the historical information and the use of the comparison chart. Information in the chart is more easily accessible than the same information in paragraph form."

- Cynthia Byers

"The set up using background to the play first is both informative and interesting. The layout of the study guides for each act progresses clearly through the levels of understanding and I see this as being very helpful as I work to differentiate for all levels of students. The study guides are also comprehensive in coverage of the plot, character, and literary elements. "

- Cam Matthews

"The book begins with an introduction to Bloom's Taxonomy and then procedes to give instructions on how to use the book. The background information on Macbeth is invaluable which is followed by the teacher's guide and student worksheets. It could not be more user-friendly."

"The use of Bloom's Taxonomy and the provision of quality text-specific questions is of inestimable worth to the busy classroom teacher today."

- Karen F. Jones

"There are tons of teaching materials on the market for Shakespeare. What this publication does, however, is allow for differentiated instruction in the classroom. A teacher can reserve the synthesis and evaluation items to challenge students while relying on reader response for students who may not have the critical thinking skills of other students."

"I really like this product. It ranks up there with the Multiple Critical Perspectives Guides which I have used in my advanced classes. Most teachers are anxious to move their students beyond basic comprehension (and should!) and this publication would allow them to do that, as long as their knowledge of the work was sufficient."

- Michelle Peeling

"As a teacher of Macbeth, I find the levels of questions most helpful. This is a product that would be wonderful for both the beginning and the veteran teacher.
I am impressed with the depth of analysis required in these study questions - they definitely go beyond plot. Sometimes these questions are the most difficult to create, so this resource will gift teachers with the most precious resource -- time."

"I'm sold with the levels of questions. Often, things claim to be "higher-level," but they're in reality lower-level questions disguised with words like "evaluate." These questions are truly what they claim to be. They add depth to the unit."

- Elizabeth Miley

"Having taught Macbeth in an English class of students with low motivation and weak reading skills, there is so much in here that can be extracted and used for the lower level student. However, it also provides a great deal for those students who need to be challenged. I also feel that it provides a great deal of helpful information for the teacher--novice or experienced."

"I believe that the alignment to Bloom's Taxonomy is an excellent feature. Many states that are working to realign their standards to a Common Core would see this as a valuable piece. Also, many teachers struggle with understanding Shakespeare themselves and have a difficult time knowing how to properly present the material to their students. This would be a marvelous resource; it is so comprehensive."

- Bernadine M. Srocki

"Wonderful! Because the materials provide the full range of questioning -- from comprehension through evaluation -- a teacher really has the opportunity to tailor the questioning for each class. It is a true time saver!"

- Leticia Geldart

"I can see using the comprehension questions and reader's response questions for individual work, and many of the higher level questions would be great for small group discussions."

- Mellissa McCreary