Reviews of Powerful Children

Ann Lewin-Benham has a background ‘second to none’ in the theory and practice of early childhood. . . . [She] recognized the power of the Reggio Approach early on, and has done as much as any American to bring it to the attention of educators….[T]hose interested in learning about documentation, assessment, projects, and group learning, in the Reggio mode, will receive an excellent introduction here.”
​- From the Foreword to Powerful Children by Howard Gardner, Harvard Graduate School of Education
 ​Ann Lewin-Benham has given us a wonderful account of the famous Reggio Emilia schools: a book that is inspiring, theoretically suggestive, and practical all at the same time. More than ever we need to re-think what kind of schooling works, and Powerful Children is a great contribution to that discourse.”
​- Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Professor of Psychology and Management, Claremont Graduate University
Powerful Children is an invaluable resource. With its engrossing stories about the experiences of this Washington, D.C. school, it shows how learning flourishes in an environment where people believe, as Reggio educators do, that all children are ‘rich, strong, and powerful.’ This book has rich lessons for teachers, parents, and policymakers interested in effective early childhood education.” - Marian Wright Edelman, President, Children’s Defense Fund
Ann Lewin-Benham’s lifelong work reveals the mystery and magic of being a mindful, reflective practitioner. These context-rich scenarios weave together theory and practice into a profoundly inspiring teaching-learning tapestry. Powerful Children is a must-read for early childhood educators, who so deeply touch the lives of the children in their care.”
​- Linda Tsantis, Retired Head, Department of Early Childhood, Early Childhood Special Education, and Early Childhood Technology, Johns Hopkins University.

Review of Infants and Toddlers at Work
This book will forever change the way you think about how children learn."
​- ​Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, Professor of Psychology and Management, Claremont Graduate University

Reviews of Possible Schools

Ann Lewin-Benham is one of the most remarkable builders of educational institutions of our time, and she is a great storyteller... The Model Early Learning Center is... proof that schools in the Reggio tradition can be created even in the most challenging urban disadvantaged areas." 
- From the foreword to Possible Schools by Howard Gardner, Harvard Graduate School of Education
This honest, gripping account documents not only the real potential for applying the Reggio Emilia approach in diverse American preschools serving our neediest children, but also demonstrates the very real potentials of those children, their families, and teachers.”
​- Sue Bredekamp, Council for Professional Recognition
A beautifully written antidote to current overly optimistic views and must reading for both educators and policymakers.”
- Edward Zigler, Sterling Professor of Psychology, Emeritus, Yale University
Finding your book Possible Schools was a real blessing for me.”
- Dalila Machado, Founder and Director, Natural Learning School, Memphis, TN
The book [Possible Schools] is FABULOUS!” 
​- Dr. Sandy Eggest, Adjunct Professor, Dept. of Early Childhood Education, University of Memphis, Memphis, TN
I read your book and was BLOWN AWAY!” 
​- Elizabeth Serkin, Ph.D., Clinical Sociology and Social Gerontology, Founder, Sage Consulting for Change, Doylestown, PA
Your book is a great gift to urban education!  Thank you for sharing your wisdom.” 
​- Mary C. McDonald, Superintendent, Catholic Schools, Memphis, TN

Review of  “One Teacher, 20 Children, and a Goldfish”
This resource from NAEYC's Beyond the Journal provides a window into the innovative practice ideas of Ann Lewin-Benham. The practical learning activities described within the brief are focused on developing a young child's environmental awareness. Within each activity description are links to a variety of websites which may offer the reader support as he or she seeks to develop children's environmental awareness.” 
- NMB, Ohio Resource Center.