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| Spinoza is a common sight in elementary schools, Head Start programs, and day care centers across the country. Created in Minneapolis, Minnesota in 1984 by a communications specialist and a special education teacher, Spinoza's comforting presence lends itself to the quiet corner, media center, circle time, small group, the nurse's office or at nap time. Wherever children of any age are sad or happy, exploring or wondering, confused or joyous, there is a place for Spinoza.
Spinoza In Elementary Schools Spinoza is an effective educational tool currently used in several thousand elementary schools across the country. With a high quality cassette tape player tucked inside his tummy, Spinoza plays his collection of nine audio cassettes or any standard audio cassette. His cassettes carry messages including self-esteem, understanding, relaxation, healthy food choices, conflict resolution, and grief and loss. There are countless ways Spinoza helps students and staff:
There are as many uses and possibilities for Spinoza as there are caring, dedicated educators and children who need him. He is used by school counselors, principals, nurses, special education, and teachers. Many educators use Spinoza daily to complement regular classroom work. Teacher-made tapes allow the class to spell or read with the bear. Media specialists may pop in a story tape or children can record their own stories and play them back in Spinoza. Some elementary schools have even adopted Spinoza as a mascot for a specific department and have dressed him is a small T-shirt with the school's logo to signify his importance in their education program. No elementary school should be without this remarkable tool! Download the study: 'Use of Tactile and Auditory Stimuli to Control Undesirable Classroom Behavior' by Jan Garritano, O.T.R. 4234 Spinoza's "Education Package" Includes Spinoza, The Education Guide To Spinoza, and his collection of nine audio cassettes (available in English or Spanish) filled with original songs and stories. 4151 The Education Guide To Spinoza Need ideas for new activities with your students? Our 80-page Education Guide shows how to use Spinoza as a learning tool to aid in teaching established curricula as well as how to integrate him into the school day as a supplement to learning experiences. Activity sheets and lyrics to Spinoza songs included. 4100 The Legend of Spinoza -Storybook Written by Native American storyteller Robert Talltree and illustrated by Stéphanie Roth, this beautiful, 64 page hardcover book tells the adventures of a young boy, Crooked Moon, his father Makwa, and the power of love which results in the creation of Spinoza. 4107 The Legend of Spinoza-Audio Tape Features a delightful straight read of the story on one side and an adaptation with music on the other. 4109 The Legend of Spinoza Read Along Gift Set Includes The Legend of Spinoza storybook and audio cassette. 4100 The Legend of Spinoza Hardcover Book The Legend of Spinoza storybook. Please see Products for more information about these new products and our other videos and accessories. All products may be purchased separately and volume discounts are available on some products. |
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| Spinoza Makes A Difference.... | ||
"I cannot begin to tell you how much I love Spinoza. The PTSO at my school purchased him for me. I am the only counselor in a school that contains grades Pre-K through 5 and 9 through 12. We have approximately 1100 students so I need all the help I can get. Thus far, Spinoza has helped students with the loss of a pet, a family member joined the Armed Forces, a divorce, and entrance to a new school. Even my high school students love him. He has that certain 'calming' that is often needed right before a test. ...My elementary teachers are planning to use Spinoza to help them with their spelling lessons, remediation drills, etc. There's a gift inside each of us, but some children need a little help opening it...that help is Spinoza. Thanks for helping make my job a little easier." |
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"...Spinoza has been a gift to each of us in countless ways. It has won the hearts of students and adults, when words were not easily spoken. We have used Spinoza to assist in allowing students to feel safe and respected, and to be the opening for further conversations allowing significant growth and change. Knowing that a trust is already established with the VERY special friend, students often recognize a self confidence and self worth needed to continue explore whatever the issue is at hand...ranging from playground behavior to heartfelt home issues of divorce, drug or physical abuse, or death. Who wouldn't want a Spinoza bear? The concept and application is so basic! All persons are worthy of love and respect, and deserve a hug whenever possible...Spinoza answers that need where others aren't able. Thank you for making Spinoza available to us, and for spreading the value across the nation. Spinoza has touched the lives of thousands and is making a difference out there in the world." Dr. Diana Swanson |
Just a note to let you know how much my class LOVES Spinoza . . . Spinoza’s home is in our Listening Center. Spinoza is always telling stories or singing to the children. He is especially useful when a child is hurt and needs comforting, or when a child feels left out and needs a special friend. I also like to use Spinoza at the beginning of the school year, when children are hesitant to leave Mom. It helps the separation if the child can go get Spinoza, hug him and listen to a wonderful, soothing story! It also helps Mom to see that her child is going to be O.K. too. By the end of the story or music, the children are usually calm and ready to go on with their day. Elaine Rogers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . |
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One class was just finishing work time and would soon be having lunch. To get their attention shifted and ease the transition we stood to stretch. I had a brain storm and decided to convert “Simon Says” to “Spinoza Says”. In addition to the usual commands ( touch your nose, clap your hands, etc.) I began to incorporate Spinoza related commands such as shake a friends hand, give yourself a special big hug, say Hi to your neighbor. Everyone settled in and we listened to and discussed “Good Friends”. After the session we wrapped up with a quick “Spinoza Says”. I was able to take advantage of the enthusiastic response by leaving them with a post-Spinoza suggestion after sessions to make someone feel good today, be extra nice to your teacher, hug your sister, etc. This little game has been a successful transition activity that can be used to reinforce the lessons of the day. Better the kids enjoy it and ask to play. |
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