Beyond Intelligence
Secrets for Raising Happily Productive Kids
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- $10.99
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- $10.99
Publisher Description
From two internationally recognized experts in the field of gifted education comes this timely exploration of how best to nurture a child’s unique gifts, and set them on a path to a happily productive life — in school and beyond.
What is intelligence? Is it really a have or have not proposition, as we’ve been led to believe? Are some children just destined to fall behind? Dona Matthews and Joanne Foster answer those questions with a resounding “No!” In Beyond Intelligence, they demonstrate that every child has the ability to succeed — with the right support and guidance.
But how can parents provide that support? Matthews and Foster proceed from the assumption that knowledge is power, offering parents an information-packed guide to identifying a child’s ability, fostering creativity, and bolstering effort and persistence. Using case studies and anecdotes from their personal and professional experience, they explore different ways of learning; the links between creativity and intelligence; and how to best to provide emotional and social supports. They offer critical advice on how to work co-operatively with schools and educators, and address how to embrace failures as learning opportunities.
Drawing on the latest research in brain development and education theory, Beyond Intelligence is a must-read for today’s parents and educators.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
In this insightful and optimistic guide, Matthews and Foster (coauthors of Being Smart about Gifted Education) explore the premise that all children have the potential to be creative, self-reliant, and innovative thinkers. According to the authors, there are many different kinds of intelligence Picasso, for instance, had terrific visual and spatial skills, but had learning disabilities and didn't do well in traditional studies. In order to help kids develop and grow, parents don't need to pay for dozens of music lessons each week. Rather, nurture happens "in the natural flow of family life," when parents read to their children, listen to them, and explore their interests. School is still a huge part of most families' lives, of course, and the authors devote a section of the book to formal education, considering parents' roles at school and how they might approach tough educational decisions. Throughout, the authors helpfully redefine familiar terms. Creativity, for example, is not expressed through unpredictable artsiness; it is expressed through bringing together competence at a given task with novel insights and critical analysis. Parents everywhere will be edified and empowered by this inspiring book.
