Product reviews for Parents First

`Parents are a child's first and enduring teachers.`

(DfEE"Excellence in Schools) This quote in the Foreword is the rationale for this book. As the title indicates, the book is written for parents, although I think it could be useful for teachers and students as well. It comes out of recent work with parents, teachers and children (in Kingston upon Hull and the University of Lincoln). The book is based on the premise that almost all parents are concerned about their child's learning and development but often need information and advice on how best to support this. The purpose of Parents First is to give parents an understanding of the different learning processes and theories as well as practical advice. In this way, parents and their children can gain more confidence, skills and self-esteem. A wide area of knowledge, skills and understanding is covered in the book which includes chapters on effective communication, mind maps, learning styles, multiple intelligences, memory and recall. There is also a large section on solving problems and a tantalisingly short chapter on learning to spell! The format and language is accessible and easy to follow, making the whole book manageable. The chapters are well split up and have a useful summary at the end. Parents First gives a good range of practical activities and exercises for parents to do on their own and with their children (always supposing that teenagers are amenable to joining in!) These activities are well balanced with reflection on the different learning processes and the best situations for learning. The book would also be a valuable reference for teachers/teaching assistants to work from with parents and children. The whole tone of the book is upbeat and positive, encouraging attitudes of advocacy, support and persuasion that adults need to have when they are learning and working with children.