How to Talk So Kids Can Learn—At Home and in School. - Review - book review

Adolescence, Summer, 1998

FABER, Adele, MAZLISH, Elaine, with NYBERG, Lisa & TEMPLETON, Rosalyn Anstine. How to Talk So Kids Can Learn--At Home and in School. New York: Fireside, 1996. 272pp. $11.00 (p).

The authors show how to create a climate for learning that motivates children to do their best, at a time when schools are rife with violence and many students are openly rebellious. They demonstrate how parents and teachers can join forces to inspire kids to be self-directed, self-disciplined, and responsive to the wonders of learning. Examples of contrasting helpful and unhelpful dialogues, questions and stories from parents and teachers, and instructive cartoons are included. The book covers a wide range of topics, from alternatives to punishment, to praise that does not demean/criticism that does not wound, to how to have a successful parent-teacher conference. Each chapter contains a one-page "quick reminder" that summarizes the key points for future reference.