Taking readers inside the classroom of today's 1st, 2nd, and 3rd graders--and inside the minds of the teachers--this guide shows parents how they can help make their child's learning environment an exciting place where children become thinkers, problem-solvers and self-directed learners. Many parents feel completely in the dark when it comes to their child's education, especially during the critical first years of a child's schooling. What Every Parent Needs to Know... takes you inside the classrooms of today's 1st, 2nd and 3rd grade students and inside the minds of the teachers. It shows parents how they can help make their child's learning environment an exciting place where children become thinkers, problem-solvers and self-directed learners.
Concise and easy-to-read, What Every Parent Needs to Know... takes a commonsense approach to understanding and augmenting a child's education and development. The authors show how rigorous academic standards can be met while addressing individual needs and learning styles of each child.
Some of the informative and eye-opening sections include:
-- How children become readers and writers
-- How children become mathematical and scientific thinkers
-- Discussion of phonics, whole language, invented spelling, integrated and collaborative learning and more
-- How to help with homework
-- How to work with your child's teacher
-- The purposes of assessment -- from conventional to National Standards
-- Clearly discusses the hot topics of the educational debate -- from phonics to invented spelling and whole language
"This clear and concise book shows how children learn and carefully guides parents through the essential elements they should look for in their child's early elementary school experience". -- Marian Wright Edelman President, Children's Defense Fund
"Written with clarity and full of real classroom vignettes, this practical book will help parents understand what really happens in the critical earlyyears of school and, more importantly, what should happen in each child's classroom". -- Dr. Richard Lodish Associate Head and Lower School Principal, Sidwell Friends School
