Book Review: How to Talk So Kids Can Learn

How to Talk So Kids Can Learn- at Home and at School is one of those books that, as you read it, you want to immediately absorb every tip into your teaching repertoire. It's just that important. With practical tips and useful illustrations, this book helps both teachers and parents to clear away many of the common hindrances to student learning.

Authors Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish offer their wisdom from the perspective of both mothers and educators. They adeptly present their ideas through a combination of anecdotes, cartoons, testimonials, and summary pages. The text is easy and fun to read, much more of an eye opener than a snoozer. When you read the authors' examples of student-teacher conversations, you just might recognize yourself in the words, as the exchanges stall and stutter, making no progress towards learning. The authors argue that, by making a few simple changes in the words you choose with students, communication, interpersonal rapport, and learning will all improve together.

One of the most relevant tips that I took away from the book is the idea that adults should not ignore what students are feeling. For example, if a student tells you, "I did really bad on the Social Studies test." Perhaps the common response would be, "Well, I'm sure you'll study harder next time." But, as the authors suggest, the student would be better served if we acknowledged his or her feelings by saying something like, "You sound disappointed. I'm sure that's very upsetting." Through such a response, the adult can actually free the child to focus on the issue and perhaps find a solution on his or her own. The book offers many clear and entertaining examples of successful interactions, while elaborating on the reasons behind such changes in our words.

With practical ways to help kids to cooperate, self-discipline, commit, and show creativity, How to Talk So Kids Can Learn deserves not only to be on every teacher's bookshelf, but on the nightstand for handy reference and quick tips. By implementing even one of the ideas tomorrow, your students may open up to a brighter world of learning and communication with adults.

Beth Lewis
Elementary School Educators Guide
k-6educators.guide@about.com