Why Johnny Burns His Schools Down

Steve and I recently visited a used book store which he often frequents. It's a great store and we found a book there which we feel is a must-read for our Family Book Group. The book is, Why Johnny Burns His Schools Down, by Richard J. Stoller, Ph.D. The blurb on the inside jacket cover reads:

"In this book Dr. Richard Stoller presents a convincing--if at first startling--diagnosis of the widespread disorder both in our schools and in society. The fact is that in penmanship classes schoolchildren are being programmed with negative attitudes day after day. How could this be? Because the power of the pen reflects the power of the subconscious, and recent research--presented in evidence here--shows positively that not only does handwriting reveal character traits, but that it can also be used to instill them in the subconscious.

Thus, in the schools, negative character traits are daily being transferred from the teacher to the pupil through the compendiums used, and also by the students' emulating the handwriting of the teacher--who has herself been negatively conditioned. What appears to be a complex problem is thus basically a simple one: what is needed is a change in understanding of the significance of penmanship by educators and a new approach to the teaching of handwriting. If this solution doesn't solve all the world's problems, it will be a significant factor in salvaging many unhappy lives. This is an important book-one that ought to be read by anyone concerned with our younger generations."

Think of the ramifications of this research! Dad could use this in his classes and revolutionize the way teachers teach and impact the lives of young children. I can use it in my class at school. But more importantly, think of the ways this could impact families! If you just read this book, you will be able to instill in your children the character traits you feel are important, just by the way you teach them to write. Perhaps, you could even change some of your own more odious character traits just by changing the way you write. Steve and I feel that if we all read this book, we can take over the world!