Unlocking Your Child’s Genius
Reviewed By Grasshopper2 July 20, 2015
Author Andrew Fuller
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ISBN: 9781925048353
Publisher: Finch Publishing
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Website: http://www.finch.com.au
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We all want the best for our children. How to achieve this is a puzzle for many, as we bring many of our own parenting ideas to our children. Andrew has given us a book so well set out, so easy to read that it should be compulsory reading for all Care givers.
He begins by explaining the physiology of the brain. The two important sections of the brain that we are looking at are the older automatic section, ”Rex,” (or the basal ganglia), and Albert, which is the genius section. “Rex” is superior when we are born, but Albert begins to become “more flexible” at about age seven. Rex and Albert compete, as Rex “doesn’t like change”, and Albert is” insatiably curious, and wants to think about things in new and exciting ways.”
For children to be aware of disharmony in the brain, brings added insight into their thinking and behaviour. As with other chapters, the author doesn’t just explain this, but gives ideas on how to make your child aware.
Each chapter in this book is set out in a similar way. Areas such as” encouraging effective thinking,”” teaching kids to plan” and “Organising Information”, are some of the topics covered. The chapter begins with an explanation of why this skill is important with the research shown to back this up. The practical suggestions start for children aged 2 to 4 years, where one talks through a task out loud. These activities continue for ages 5 to 7, 8 to 11, and wonderfully, there are activities for children aged 12 to 18.
As the author states, this book is “not designed to be read in a rush, or all in one go.” To sit down and read the most appropriate chapter for your situation, will give you many great ideas.
One of the most helpful chapters outlines the different “concentration styles” of children, and these are instantly recognisable. For example, we have “The Happy Wanderer, who may not be able to tell you what you have just been talking about, but will notice that you have different shoes on today.” They are visual learners.
There are also “Frequent Flyers”, or dreamy kids, and “Spies”, who hear every word spoken. Along with these and other definitions, Andrew gives ideas on how to maximise this particular child’s learning. He also shows what to encourage and focus on in their lives.
Teachers do develop an awareness of children’s learning styles, but it is at home that you can focus on areas of strength, and help to develop areas of weakness. Andrew’s suggested activities are easy to follow, and make a pleasurable time possible for all.