ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids

Table of Contents: A “Letter Guide” for Parents

Introduction
A is for Awareness
B is for Basics: And the B Goes On…
C is for Clarifying Complexities (I Can C Clearly Now)
D is for Development
E is for Education
F is for Fit and Flexibility
G is for Gifted
H is for Health and Happiness
I is for Independence and Initiative
J is for Journey
K is for Kindling
L is for Learning
M is for Motivation
N is for Nurturing
O is for Opportunities
P is for Productivity
Q is for Questions
R is for R We There Yet? Reflecting upon Parents’ and Teachers’ Roles
S is for Supporting
T is for Tips for Working with Teachers
U is for Understanding
V is for Viewpoints
W is for Wondering and Well-Being
X is for Xtending the Gifted Xperience
YZ is for Youthful Zeal
Bibliography
Footnotes
Acknowledgments
About the Author
About the Illustrator

Excerpts from IGNITE YOUR IDEAS: CREATIVITY FOR KIDS

Parenting Book Club Material: Two Different Options!

For info on parenting book clubs, check out this link: Reading—and Parenting Book Clubs

HERE’S OPTION ONE FOR ABCs

Consider one or more of the following 7 excerpts from ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids by thinking about the message conveyed in relation to these 3 questions:

1. Do you agree with the quote? Why or why not?
2. What aspects of the quote resonate most strongly for you?
3. How can you apply the information to support and encourage your child’s development?

Or alternatively, select a quote of your choice from the book. Discuss the three questions, the possibilities that come to mind, or the significance.

Excerpt #1.

“The time is ripe to consider with greater refinement and depth how to develop better educational programs, advocate for change where needed, clarify terms, make meaningful connections, share perspectives, applaud diversity, build cohesive plans, and turn visions into realities.”

~ ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids, p. xv

Excerpt #2.

“Success in life depends on being able to get along with people, and empathy is integral to that. However, it is not a trait that is inborn. Like intelligence, empathy must be cultivated from an early age. Many would argue that empathy is every bit as important as intelligence, if not more so, because it affects well-being, health, relationships, resilience, and future happiness.”

~ ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids, p. 37

Excerpt #3.

“The traditional approach of identifying, labeling, and then segregating children on the basis of general intelligence or academic test scores (usually based on performance at a single point in time), is very hard to defend. A child’s learning needs are better determined by means of multiple measures, including ongoing assessment that is individually responsive, integrated into instruction, and subject-specific. (That said, standardized tests can be useful for providing additional information and objective confirmation of teacher judgment and other assessment data.)”

~ ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids, p. 45

Excerpt #4.

“Try not to push too hard. Learning, creative expression, and productive engagement are like embarking upon quests that take time, effort, and patience. Appreciate when time is of the essence—and when a little forbearance or flexibility might go a long way. (What’s the rush?)”

~ ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids, p. 77

Excerpt #5.

“Children may be inclined to rely on their parents when difficulties arise. The extent of their dependence will differ at various age and maturity levels, and in relation to context and circumstances, including time and place. Reliance is okay, to a point. Umbilical cords are supposed to be cut. Help children forge their way toward autonomy.”

~ ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids, p. 86

Excerpt #6.

“Teacher training and professional development focusing on gifted-related learning requirements should be an ongoing part of every educator’s learning curve. This includes content that will help teachers learn to refine materials, instruction, assessment methods, goals, and other ways to better support and encourage children’s high-level development, and also their diverse social, emotional, motivational, and other needs.”

~ ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids, p. 137

Excerpt #7.

“Each person chooses what to cultivate, reveal, share, or convey, be it through words, art, music, dance, or even silence. So, be careful not to make assumptions about the capabilities of others, or for that matter, yourself. Remember, what people show, communicate, or do is not necessarily reflective of all they’re capable of, or all they know.”

~ ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids, p. 161

Here is option two for ABCs:

Questions Parents of High-Ability Learners Can Ask Themselves

Here is a list of a dozen important questions for parents to consider. These are not just simple yes/no questions (which would tend to generate simple yes/no answers). Rather, they are “in what ways” questions, designed to help parents think about how they’re already being supportive, and what they might want to consider going forward.

1. In what ways do I demonstrate that I am an active and attentive listener?
2. In what ways do I demonstrate resilience, perseverance, and a healthy perspective on the ups and downs of daily life?
3. In what ways do I pay attention to the different factors that could have an impact on my children’s cognitive, emotional, social, or behavioral development?
4. In what ways do I try to ensure that my children are appropriately challenged at school?
5. In what ways do I regularly seek information about high-level development?
6. In what ways do I expose my children to experiences that encourage play, exploration, sharing, communication, independence, and learning—in response to their individual abilities, interests, and needs?
7. In what ways do I foster my children’s social skills and emotional development?
8. In what ways do I advocate for the most appropriate academic opportunities (ones that suit domain-specific levels of advancement) for my children and others?
9. In what ways do I encourage my children to self-advocate for their own educational needs?
10. In what ways do I collaborate with teachers, consultants, other parents, and members of the community to create robust and engaging learning environments?
11. In what ways do I encourage my children’s creative expression?
12. In what ways do I celebrate my children’s successes with them?

Most importantly, parents can question their own assumptions, inferences, and perceptions. They can also explore how to strengthen their own support networks, how to look after themselves better, and how to continue strengthening the parent-child relationship.

~ ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids, pp. 120-121

Kids are Asking: Can I Read ABCs, Too???

The short answer is, “Yes!”

ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids can offer a meaningful reading experience for older children. Leave the book where they can find it, and poke through it—and let the learning begin! And, here are several suggestions for reading this book with kids. (It’s as easy as ABC!)

A – Acknowledge. The book’s colorful cover design appeals to children. Acknowledge that although ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids is written primarily for adults, it contains information that will also interest kids. Encourage them to flip through the pages to see what grabs their attention.

A – Attention. There are 26 different chapter themes, so attending to all the topics may be overwhelming. Pick one or two letters and go from there. What ideas do kids agree or disagree with? What might they add? What would they like to tell or ask the author? (I welcome comments!)

A – Alliteration. The book contains hundreds of alliterative points. Help kids see the fun that can be had with words and language. What can they learn from this?

B – Back and forth… The book does not have to be read straight through from A to Z. Children can jump around from page to page to discover ideas or strategies to try.

B – Build. There are many suggestions and resources within the book. Create a list together of tips, references, or links that are particularly well-suited to your child or your family.

B – Bond. Kids can choose to read whatever parts of the book they like, then benefit by sitting down with parents to have a chat about bits or pieces—and to consider one another’s views.

C – Color. An illustration accompanies each letter. These pictures can be colored in! Children can make the book even more unique with the addition of colorful shading or more detail.

C – Creativity. Children can choose to be creative by adding their own drawings (or points) to any letter they wish. They can find spots and let imagination guide the way.

C – Collaborate. Kids can share with friends what they read, draw, write, think about, or learn.

What is the target audience for this book?

ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids is geared primarily for parents and families, although teachers and caregivers will also find lots of pertinent information. However, kids can also read and think about the topics, and they can exercise their creativity by coloring in the illustrations, making the book uniquely theirs!

What is the main focus of this book?

Letters of the alphabet provide jumping-off points for 26 hot-button topics. For example, A is for Awareness; H is for Health and Happiness; M is for Motivation; O is for Opportunities; P is for Productivity; and U is for Understanding. Each chapter contains lots of headings—written in alliterative format—enhanced by many practical strategies for nurturing children’s learning, development, and well-being.

How many pages are there in this book?

There are 186 pages in ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids.

Why is Dr. Foster qualified to have written this book?

Dr. Foster has a Doctoral degree in Human Development and Applied Psychology. Her work has always been about “fostering kids’ success,” and supporting children’s and teens’ optimal growth. In ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids, she discusses matters that are paramount for parents, and she knows this because she has decades of experience as a parent, teacher, consultant, and child advocate, working with families and communities around the globe.

What supplementary resources can readers find within this book?

ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids contains a bibliography with hundreds of references (pp. 169 – 176), and endnotes with lots of links to pertinent resources (pp. 177 – 182).

What kinds of reviews has this book received?

Reviews of ABCs are great—and this book is recognized as being unlike any other because of the melding of its original alliterative format, unique pictures, and relevant content. Comments include words like “perfect resource,” and “insightful,” and “whimsical and wonderful,” and “reassuring,” and “robust,” and “treasure trove,” and “warm and wise.” There are many reviews under the “Reviews” tab on the ABCs page. ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids was an award-winning finalist in the Parenting/Family category of the 2019 Best Book Awards.

Are there any illustrations or charts in this book?

Yes! ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids has 26 beautiful and very creative illustrations by the talented Christine Thammavongsa. Each picture features interesting characters, and the artwork aligns with the alliterative theme of the letter it represents. Kids can showcase their creativity by coloring these in for fun!

How can I see samples of the content of this book?

There is an “Excerpts” tab on the ABCs of Raising Smarter Kids book page on this website.

Is there a book club guide or other online material that supplements this book?

Yes! Dr. Foster provides a complementary resource with two book club options for parents. Readers can discuss targeted excerpts from the book, or they can consider several questions that parents of high-ability learners can ask themselves. Moreover, there’s a supplementary resource geared for kids so they can engage with the book’s material, learn about alliteration, color in the illustrations, bolster their creativity, and collaborate with family and friends as they read through the various chapters. The book club resource and the one for kids are available on the ABCs page of this website.