COPING WITH KIDS AND SCHOOL

by Linda Albert ‧ RELEASE DATE: Aug. 14, 1984

Updated orthodoxy on fostering maximum school performance--with a focus on the elementary grades--by the syndicated-columnist author of Linda Albert Advice for Coping with Kids (1982). Albert, a former teacher, stresses ""a positive attitude toward schools"" and parent-teacher cooperation. Parents are advised to provide a stimulating yet structured home environment. They are warned against home-tutoring, and strongly encouraged to cultivate their children's teachers. (""Send a brief 'hello' note to each teacher . . . . Follow this note with a brief informal visit. . . . Send frequent notes of appreciation. . . ."") Guidance in preparing for conferences presumes that parent and teacher will discuss all manner of emotional and behavioral problems, whether at home or at school. In cases of academic difficulties, Albert counsels attention to causes as well as cures; in some specific situations--like leaving a regular classroom for remedial instruction--her pointers could help ease a child's anxieties (about missed work or what other children think). On behavioral problems, she emphasizes (asin her previous book) not rewarding negative behaviors or allowing children to shirk responsibility; but she also firmly delineates school and home responsibility. (Kids shouldn't be sent home for making trouble in class.) Finally, question-and-answer sections take up some current issues and concerns--the meaning of ""back to basics,"" parents' right to see school records, fees for school programs, ""career"" vs. vocational education. Comfortably if unremarkably middle-of-the-road.

Pub Date: Aug. 14, 1984

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Dutton

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 1984

Categories: NONFICTION