Book Description
Originally published by Tarcher in 1988, The Now Habit has sold more than 58,000 copies, and is as relevant as ever!
Author Neil Fiore offers the first comprehensive strategy to overcome the causes of procrastination and to eliminate its deleterious effects. His techniques will help any busy person get more things done more quickly, without the anxiety and stress brought on by failure to meet the workplace's pressing deadlines.
This revised, redesigned edition includes a new introduction and a section that provides strategies to understand and deal with the complex role technology plays in procrastination today.
Customer Reviews:
The Now Habit Review.......2007-09-06
This was most excellent. It really gave me insights into why I procrastinate. I received many useful tips and strategies.
love it, love it.......2007-08-26
Useful book for all procrastinators out there. I have less anxiety about starting my projects. Also I have less guilt about having fun and not working. Learn new strategies instead blaming your parents for not teaching you the right way.
This book delivers.......2007-08-24
I bought this book several weeks ago and have now read it twice. I've recommended it to many other people at my work. It's a book not just for procrastinators, but for anyone who occasionally finds Mondays depressing, and who feels that work is taking over their lives. In my opinion, the most powerful concept Fiore offers is that of scheduling (he calls it the "unschedule") non-work time; i.e., errand time, living time, fun time (especially fun time), down time -- and sticking to that schedule. The idea is two-fold: it gives you an accurate idea of how much time there actually is to accomplish your work, so that you're more likely to take advantage of the present moment, and it means that you will always have something to look forward to -- and soon -- apart from whatever task you're dreading. So you say to yourself, "Yes, I'm going to work on X, which I don't like much, but that's just part of what's on the menu for today, and once I get some meaningful work put in on it (which Fiore defines as being as little as 30 minutes of quality time), I'll go on to something else, and I will do it without guilt." That makes it more likely that you will actually put some work in on the task, because it no longer is so monumental; you now see it in perspective of everything else you do. It also means you're less likely to find something distracting to do just to avoid the main task, because you're always aware there's good stuff to look forward to. So no "need" to surf the Web just now; you've scheduled plenty of time to play later. Fiore emphasizes that you need to have guilt-free play, separate from work, in order to produce quality work. Although I don't have a particular problem with procrastination, I have found the book quite liberating; it certainly makes me feel better on my morning commute, because I know the day isn't going to swallow me.
One of the best books on procrastination.......2007-07-31
Literally changed my life, or at least the way I think (in a positive way). I am only 3/4 of the way through, so can only speak to the first half or so, but it has been so excellent to this point that I already decided I am going to buy a copy for my Mom, Dad, and sister and brother who all have procrastination issues (must be genetic!)
I have read several other books (re: procrastination), and none of them affected me the way this one did. Made me aware of and changed the way I think about myself, for one, but also presented SOLUTIONS, not just "this is what you are doing and why you procrastinate" which is where so many books like this stop.
Just great stuff, can't recommend it enough. I plan to see what else the author wrote (hopefully this is not a one hit wonder type situation)
Hopefully the rest of the book is as good as the first half.
I should also note, I think this book is definitely not geared towards those who just put things off every once in a while, and would like to be better organized (again, which is where a lot of other procrastination books focus). This one, and probably the reason it reached me so effectively, is for people that have procrastination problems that go beyond the norm - consistent behavior that could/would likely result in losing your job, relationships, and just unhealthy living in general (mental and physical).
Fiore seems to treat the issue from a mental health perspective, not just "let's try to get you more organized!" Very impt distinction, and if you don't have a SERIOUS, life...hampering problem, I would probably not recommend this.
5 stars from me
an innovative approach.......2007-07-25
The only reason I didn't give the book five stars is because I still haven't followed its advice. If a self-help book can actually get me to CHANGE, then I'll give it five stars. In short, I haven't yet made the changes in my schedule and lifestyle that the book recommends, but the book has shifted my thinking quite dramatically. I now understand that it is just as important (in fact more important) for me to plan, schedule and commit to doing things that I love to do, as it is for me to plan, schedule and commit to doing things that I don't want to do (or that I resist). The author's proposed "unschedule" is a radical approach to addressing procrastination - one that holds tremendous promise for anyone struggling with productivity in any form. I fully intend to create my own "unschedule." Now, if only I could get myself to actually do it . . . .
Average customer rating:
- Calculations are only as good as your numbers
- Pants on fire?
- Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed.
- Very Interesting
- History as Science Fiction
|
History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Anatoly Fomenko
Manufacturer: Mithec
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ASIN: 2913621058 |
Book Description
Recorded history is a finely-woven magic fabric of intricate lies about events predating the sixteenth century. There is not a single piece of evidence that can be reliably and independently traced back earlier than the eleventh century. This book details events that are substantiated by hard facts and logic, and validated by new astronomical research and statistical analysis of ancient sources.
Customer Reviews:
Calculations are only as good as your numbers.......2007-08-03
Yes, we can all agree that mainstream history is nearly 100% BS due to politics, economics, ego, problems with dating techniques, and various conspiracies. Agreed. But, I've been researching the distinct possibility that human history (in terms of civilizations) are much more ancient than we've been told, so coming across this book was very interesting to me. I wondered how Fomenko could be wrong (if at all) because he is very persuasive in his presentations. Then it dawned on me. If at previous times in prehistory, due to the various catastrophies that are well documented (comets, asteroids, planetary disruptions, plasma discharge, pole reversals, etc) the Earth was in a different position in relation to the sun, different tilt on its axis, different orbit, different rotation (in terms of velocity and DIRECTION), and the continents were in different positions, then would this not cause the ancients to see the sky (constellations) differently? In other words, is Fomenko making erronious assumptions about the physics of the Earth in pre-history, which then corrupt his data with regards to dating the relevant astrology? The last event to seriously disrupt our planet occured roughly 3500 years ago, according to other good researchers, so is it possible Fomenko has been confused by this? The vastly different physics of our planet in the not so distant past may explain this confusion, which is not to say the "mainstream" version of history is correct; on the contrary. I am not an expert in these fields, but wanted to see if this idea could spark discussion.
Pants on fire?.......2007-07-19
Will people ever read before spamming? Yes, Jesuits could not rewrite world history alone, they had help. Anyway, Dr Prof Acad A.Fomenko does not point to jesuits as the driving force of world wide history manipulation in published volumes 1,2,3;, actually he barely mentions the poor devils. Check it with 'Search inside' feature, please. China is rarely mentioned either, in fact, Dr Fomenko is completely eurocentric. Right, his theory contradicts all mainstream schools of history, because in their actual state they are all built on blatantly erroneus chronology. You don't need a mysterious cabal (conspiracy) to falsify history, the falsification is its modus operandi. It is inherent to history(ians) to falsify (distort) events, as it is inherent to humans to boast as it is inherent to power (authority) to legimize itself by referrring to glorious past made to its own order. Dr Prof Fomenko and team have identified scores of instances of such manipulation in Russian, European, etc.. history, and delivered valid statistical proof thereof. His own 'reconstruction' is completely another story. Forget c14 as a valid method of dating. W.Libby has initially discovered a brilliant method of INDEPENDENT dating. Too bad, c14 method has become a joke after a forced marrige with dendrochronology with consensual chronological scale inbuilt. Radiocarbon method can't stand blind tests, but is so very productive as a rubberstamp.
Accepted History & Chronology Must Be Changed. .......2007-04-09
There is no doubt that history as most know it is a sham, & institution's version of History both University & Church is fradulent & inaccurate. Everything was established with an agenda, The real "Dark Ages" are now when we have access to incredible amounts of information past authorities & more important 'common folk' didn't have but our institutions & educators are slow to evolve because of what has ignorantly & arrogantly been taught for too long. This is on many subjects not just Chronology.
For anyone to question "Why would a Mathematician have anything credible to say of History?" The answer is from Dr. Fomenko's preface in the book: "It would be worthwhile to remind the reader that in the XVI-XVII century Chronology was considered to be a subdivision of Mathematics." These volumes could possibly be some of the most important works to date & should be read by everyone with an interest in History, especially professors & educators who have a duty to the public. I have read both books & must say that 'Chronology 1' has some very eye opening & revolutionary information. Even if these volumes are part true the implications are profound & opens the doors to further investigations & questions which must be done. I speak several different lanquages & must say the logic Dr. Fomenko uses with "inflection" of words & words being read from left to right in one region & right to left in another then written backwards, the removal of vowels & get down to basics of words, or different cities & locations having the same name etc. is correct. Vowel usage has always been optional & varied, actually complicating linquistics & study. The first thing one has to understand is that words never had a fixed spelling in history like we do now, the spelling of words was mutable & regional, as well as names & titles of people were vast, varied & changed, NOTHING WAS FIXED or understood linear. Matters of Life & Death as well as financial profiteering yesterday & today were & are made with ignorant, illogical & conspiratorial views of history & reality, it's time people get closer to the Truth & society collectively grow up.
Very Interesting.......2007-03-07
It is a good proposal and I believe it will mature into something even better in the future. I think it deserves to be read.
History as Science Fiction.......2007-01-10
Anatoly Fomenko has written a very intriguing book, full of pictures, charts, and computer 'proof' of his thesis: backwards of AD900 we don't really know what happened or when. Between AD900 and AD1600 there is more certainty, but there is still a lot of fuzzy ground, and things don't get reliable until we get past the 1600's where the printing press made it very difficult for the perpetrators of this timeline manipulation to change anything that had been committed to print. The Dark Ages did not happen. Books were burned for a reason. One organization has doubled the actual length of its existence by expanding the real chronology. Read why.
I had always wondered why Christ died about AD33 and yet men waited until the 11th century to form the Knights Templar, the Cathars, etc and go after the Holy Land by force. Why the 1000 year gap? Turns out there wasn't more than a 10-12 year gap and he proves it using astronomy. This also implies that the planet is not as old as we have been told, and current Christian and other creationist scientists are already championing that idea without being aware of Fomenko's book. The two groups, creationist scientists and the Russian mathematical analysts corroborate each other. Fascinating.
Of course, all this flies in the face of what we have been told traditionally is the 'proper' chronology of western civilization, and most readers will experience 'cognitive dissonance' in reading this book. It means that our history going backwards from AD1600 becomes progressively more incorrect and unreliable until it cannot be trusted at all... in the space of 700-800 years.
Naturally, the curious, open-minded reader will want to know WHO did this, WHY, and did any of the events we think of as really ancient ever happen?
Dr. Fomenko is a respected scientist/mathematician at Moscow State University who has already answered these questions to the satisfaction of his initially skeptical colleagues. Most of them are now believers, a few still refuse to believe (the usual diehards), and of course the western press has ignored Fomenko's work -- for obvious reasons when you read the book. The ones who perpetrated this chronology ruse have a lot to answer for. They are still with us. That's why this book is a well-kept secret.
I gave the book a 4-star rating because I was unable to check out some of his claims; those I checked were as he said. But if even 1/3 of his claims are true, this punches a big hole in what we think is our history, the meaning of western civilization, our educational process (for repeating the ruse as gospel), and the trustworthiness of the organization that perpetrated this ruse, well-intentioned or not.
This book relates to current research into a Young Earth paradigm, to John Keel's discoveries about our planet, and Fr Malachi Martin's insights (in his now out-of-print books). We are indeed sheep who are manipulated and kept ignorant -- for a reason. While knowing what these men have to say may be the "booby prize" (as in: 'what can you do with this knowledge?'), it will provide interesting reading. Didn't someone say: "...and the Truth will set you free."?? For you to judge if this book contains the truth.
Book Description
This book is about the inner sources of spontaneous creation. It is about where art in the widest sense comes from. It is about why we create and what we learn when we do. It is about the flow of unhindered creative energy: the joy of making art in all its varied forms.
Free Play is directed toward people in any field who want to contact, honor, and strengthen their own creative powers. It integrates material from a wide variety of sources among the arts, sciences, and spiritual traditions of humanity. Filled with unusual quotes, amusing and illuminating anecdotes, and original metaphors, it reveals how inspiration arises within us, how that inspiration may be blocked, derailed or obscured by certain unavoidable facts of life, and how finally it can be liberated - how we can be liberated - to speak or sing, write or paint, dance or play, with our own authentic voice.
The whole enterprise of improvisation in life and art, of recovering free play and awakening creativity, is about being true to ourselves and our visions. It brings us into direct, active contact with boundless creative energies that we may not even know we had.
Customer Reviews:
Creative Encouragement.......2007-06-29
Nachmanovitch writes from the perspective of a professional musician, yet makes it easily possible to transfer his ideas to any realm. Nachmanovitch's ideas are consistent with the thinkers today who believe we are in the Creativity Age, and that all people are creative.
The story of the flute player is skillfully woven throughout the book, and its meaning is clear and timeless.
Improvisation Revealed.......2007-01-11
This book basically tells you to get out of your own way and let your creativity flow! The author has a lot of information in it and I needed a couple of reads to get most of it. I thought it was wonderful, very well written, and the results can be very effective in life. My piano playing has gotten much more free and fun. I rarely play a song the same way twice - just let things flow. If you are into anything creative, I don't think you will be disappointed with this book.
Free Play - Improvisation in Life and Art.......2007-01-05
I LOVE this book and keep it handy because it constantly leads me to my core and helps keep me real.
Play Freely.......2006-08-31
Great book to read if you have lost your spirit to play freely. The entire book can be summarized by the fable presented at the beginning of this book.
I often read the the fable to myself to be reminded of the free play spirit.
Divine Play.......2006-06-19
I have been buying books at Amazon for years, and this is the first review I ever felt compelled to write. Simply put, this is the book I buy and give to family and friends. The knowledge contained in this book is potent and reflect the juicy nuggets of a lucious truth that can be known and experienced in this life. Why just connect with the font of life when you can merge fully into it. I highly recommend this book.
Book Description
FOLGER Shakespeare Library
THE WORLD'S LEADING CENTER FOR
SHAKESPEARE STUDIES
The Folger Shakespeare Library is one of the world's leading centers for scholarship, learning, and culture. The Folger is dedicated to advancing knowledge and increasing understanding of Shakespeare and the early modern period; it is home to the world's largest Shakespeare collection and one of the leading collections of books and materials of the entire early modern period (1500-1750). Combining a worldclass research library and scholarly programs; leadership in curriculum, training, and publishing for K-12 education; and award-winning performing arts, exhibitions, and lectures, the Folger is Shakespeare's home in America.
This volume of the Shakespeare Set Free series is written by institute faculty and participants, and includes the latest developments in recent scholarship. It bristles with the energy created by teaching and learning Shakespeare from the text and through active performance, and reflects the experience, wisdom, and wit of real classroom teachers in schools and colleges throughout the United States.
In this book, you'll find the following:
- Clearly written essays by leading scholars to refresh teachers and challenge older students
- Michael Tolaydo's brilliant and accessible technique for classroom teaching through performance
- Day-by-day teaching strategies that successfully and energetically immerse students of every grade and skill level in the language and in the plays themselves -- created, taught, and written by real teachers
Customer Reviews:
This best Shakespeare teaching guide available.......2007-07-17
I have used this book to teach Macbeth to 7th graders, and I know several high school teachers who swear by it for grades 9 - 12. It contains helpful critical articles to keep teachers up to date on the latest research in the field, as well as day by day lesson plans. Each unit plan is for about 30 days and contains a variety of performance, film analysis, and close reading lessons as well as quizzes, project topics, and final assignments. Lessons can be easily adapted to fit any grade level, required lesson plan structure, or set of state standards. This is the only book you need to buy.
"Shakespeare Set Free" set my imagination free!.......2007-03-22
Do you have HS students who just don't get Shakespeare? Don't even bother because of the language? Here's the book to break the Shakespeare language barrier. I bought this book for a "secondary English class" at college, since then I have bought one for a friend who teaches drama and I have suggested it to all the 9th and 10th grade English teachers at my high school. The three Shapespeare plays this lesson book covers: Midsummer's Night Dream, MacBeth, and Romeo and Juliette. The authors set it up nicely with a calendar for each selection and approximately 22 lessons in each selection. They provided the objective, the materials list, the lesson, any handouts, homework ideas and questions for reflection. All lessons are formated to include some form of kinesiology, i.e. the students wll have to get out of their seats and move around. Some of my favorites...tossing lines, yelling insults, building a shoebox set and stressing the subtext. There are also many essays in the beginning to help the teacher discover more about the connection to main themes and ideas within the Shakespeare experience.
And the best thing was...I am now using some of the ideas for other text which are difficlt for the HS student!
Customer Reviews:
5 Stars for Dramatic Presentation and Analysis.......2007-08-04
English teachers have to face facts: if we are to teach drama -- and we must -- we must teach it the way it is meant to be experienced: as a theater piece, subject to directorial concerns, staging concerns, and costuming concerns. Unfortunately, not all English teachers come to the classroom ready to direct and lead group activities, so some might chafe at these authentic, enriched, and rigorous theater-focused lessons. That is too bad. If you love reading alone in a room but don't love being with people, then teaching English is not for you. Teaching secondary school is about being all things to all people (scholar, director, camp activities counselor, cheerleader, theorist, philosopher), so as educators, accept thy charge and keep a good attitude about it! That said, what is brilliant about this guide is that a) it is teacher-created materials and b) how it allows all students to engage in the magic of Shakespeare's drama in meaningful theater activities. These activities encourage literary analysis of character, plot, setting, and theme of each play. The teachers that wrote these lessons truly understand the purpose of the targeted scenes and the creative possibilities students can investigate. Each play is covered thoroughly. For example, the webbing analysis activities and the promptbook activities allow students to not only play the real-world roles of theorists but also to be directors and stage managers. Kids have to see that Shakespeare is fresh, light text to interpret, rather than heavy, boring, already-decided themes. This book encourages higher level thinking skills using multiple intelligences. I've never heard of a teacher not be successful with such approaches.
I recommend that all middle and high school English teachers purchase this book as well as Shakespeare Alive! (a great summary of Elizabethan life, described in kid-friendly ways), the Oxford School edition of any of these plays (fabulous notes, illustrations, and photos -- if you can use it with your students, do), and Teaching Romeo and Juliet: A Differentiated Approach(offers ways to integrate drama, Socratic discussion, and reading and writing skills into a unit plan, targeted to all your levels of student understanding). With these books in a library, any English teacher is well-armed for the challenge of teaching Shakespeare. It's not an easy enterprise, but we know how well worth it this is!
A Wonderful Resource!.......2005-11-07
I read the last review and had to respond. The reviewer stated that "this isn't drama class." I beg to differ -- a drama unit is drama, and no play is complete simply on the page without bringing it to life in some type of performance. This can be intimidating to a new teacher, but it is no reflection on the outstanding quality of the Shakespeare Set Free books. I have used this book in a ninth grade classroom and found it to be one of the best resources I have ever purchased for classroom use. It is not intended as a generic read-the-scene-answer-the-questions type of shortcut for overwhelmed teachers. It assumes that the teacher can handle the basics and instead offers up some of the most creative and engaging ideas for making the educational experience of studying a Shakespearean play more authentic and memorable. I love this book and the memories that using it with my students have provided for my students and myself. As a classroom teacher of 18 years, I thoroughly recommend it to any teacher who truly wants to bring Shakespeare to life in the classroom.
A few final thoughts about the projects mentioned in the last review: Ask any actor -- the best way to understand a script is to find yourself having to perform it. Not memorize and recite it, but actually perform it and make it real. If students are asked to do this and are coached through the process, they will truly understand the power of Shakespeare's words and drama. And kids will dance an Elizabethan dance wearing a homemade mask if the teacher presents the lesson correctly. Oh, and bribing them with food to eat at the "ball" never hurts, either. And in the end, if nothing else, they will talk about what they did in English class with their buddies at lunch. What are the chances of that happening if we stick to paper and pencil activities alone?
This isn't drama class.......2005-05-11
I was excited when I got this book because I am a new teacher and it looked like it had a comprehensive unit plan for Romeo and Juliet. What I found was a few useful activities, and a few that seemed like a complete waste of time. For example, a day learning "Elizabethan dance" and acting out said dance. Also, a day making masks to wear to the dance. First of all I think my kids would be embarassed to do this. Second of all it doesn't help that much with their understanding of the play.
So their unit plan is designed to take six weeks, which is on the long side. But the whole play is not performed or discussed in class, some scenes are assigned for homework. Well I think that will lead to a lot of students who don't read or don't understand. I like to do the whole play in class, personal preference.
Another issue I had with this book's plan is the final assessment is supposed to be groups of students performing the scenes. I can't decide how I feel about this activity as a whole but I do not think it's appropriate for final assessment. There is more to demonstrating comprehension of the play than acting ability.
Anyway, I think this is still a worthwhile buy, because there are quite a few useful ideas in here. But some of the activities seem more appropriate for a drama class and there is not enough time for them in an English class.
Experience of a lifetime!.......2005-01-25
That's what my students told me after I used this book's unit for teaching "A Midsummer Night's Dream" through performance. That was last spring, and I'm about to use it again. "Yes, we've heard all about that!" exclaimed my current Advanced English 11 students with grins and excited anticipation. Even the shy find their niche in this gently encouraging format for understanding and interpreting Shakespeare. I plan to use many of the book's ideas for our upcoming Macbeth unit as well. I am incredibly grateful for this wonderful book! If you are a teacher who wants to avoid the "Play the tape - read along" method of teaching Shakespeare, BUY THIS BOOK!
Note added May 13, 2005: Having used this a second time with my Advanced English 11, I can say that it was MORE successful, they ADORED it, and MSND performance work gave them a very deep understanding of Shakespeare which enabled them to blaze through Macbeth in three weeks - and they loved it, too! This book has opened new doors for me and for my students.
Don't teach R&J without this book.......2003-11-25
Freshmen dread Romeo and Juliet. "It's gibberish," one of my students said. This book helps you take Will's words from the page and allows your students to make the characters breathe on stage.
All of the activities are sound and provide for fun, hands-on lessons. The best thing is that I have little prep work before teaching the unit--it's all in the book.
My only caution is that some of the line numbers don't align with the textbook I use. It's worth your time to double-check the lines that match this book.
Also, exercises don't come with answer keys. You'll have to develop your own. I've also added rubrics to some of the activities in the text--like the tableaux vivants for 3.1.
Customer Reviews:
Amazingly insightful..........2006-01-12
As a student of psychology, I'm always on the lookout for psych books that I haven't heard about. I was in a bookstore one day and saw this book sitting on the rack. It was on sale, so I picked it up to look through at a later date. When I got home, I started reading the first few pages, and I couldn't believe how well he had nailed me. To this point, I had done fairly well in dealing with my procrastination; I had also developed a gargantuan ability to deprive myself of sleep, a good diet, exercise, etc., to account for it. As I read through the first pages, I was shocked at how much sense his theories made---and how well they explained/described me. I never really had hope that I could change. I had come to believe that my procrastination was an unavoidable result of my perfectionism and that I could not lose it without discarding my desire to produce high quality work. It was amazing to me how easily he explained the complicated nature of these problems and how well he presented his simple method of dealing with them. Now, I'm not finished with the book---I'm giving myself time to absorb each lesson before moving on to the next one---but I have already seen the results as I address big assignments. It works.
So, from a non-professional, it-worked-for-me standpoint, I highly recommend this book to those wondering why they procrastinate, but also, anyone who suffers from perfectionism, who finds him or herself afraid of succeeding, wondering why he/she doesn't get more done in a day, or even engaging in self-defeating behavior will be amazed at what can be learned from this simple, little book. I hope you'll give it try.
Best: eliminates procrastination with action, not guilt.......2004-02-09
I got tired of books that say you're lazy, that had a lot of cute explainations about what kind of procrastinator you are or were systems that would overwhelm many a procrastinator who was just overwhelmed in the first place. This book explains procrastinators in short order in a way that would apply to any procrastinator. It doesn't waste anytime getting down to how to get yourself into action and produce. Dr. Fiore's methods are general enough to apply to anyone, yet are specific enough so you know how to get you going. His book is short, lively, hopeful, and never dry for procrastinators. This book is the only book you need to get you on your way to fulfilling your dreams.
Book Description
What parent doesn't want their child to achieve and get a head start on the path to success? But, life today for young children has become a dress rehearsal for type-A adulthood— a competition to be the best. Parents have been led to believe that enrolling their kids full time in special classes, extracurricular academics, competitive sports, and other structured, high-commitment activities will give them an edge— leading to a pressure cooker environment that can interfere with kids' natural development.
Young kids can spend their free time finger painting, playing in the sandbox, inventing games, and still turn out to be smart, talented, successful adults. In A Running Start, renowned educational expert Rae Pica looks at the many misconceptions under which today's parents are laboring. Among them are beliefs that "earlier is better" when it comes to athletics and academics; achievement is more important than play.
This book shows how learning through play is vital to a child's development and fostering their unique personality. A creative childhood is one of the greatest gifts we can give our children, and Pica offers techniques on how to raise a child with the right balance of play and structured activity.
Customer Reviews:
The importance of not pushing the child to make them 'first' in everything........2007-05-07
Rae Pica has a full grasp of what is, and what isn't important in the raising of healthy kids. Stressing that the 'right' pre-school, the 'right' kindergarten, etc. may not necessarily be right, and may not be necessary. Not hurrying childrens' skills, not enrolling them in every activity under the sun, not aspiring FOR them - these are excellent points made in the book. In one of her Reality Checks, Rae quotes Booker T. Washington when he said "The world cares very little about what a man or woman knows; it is what a man or woman is able to do that counts". This could be the title of this book; and it's an excellent read if you're wondering whether or not your children are getting lost in an "electronic world". And if you are wondering, they probably are, and you should read this very good book!
Go out into nature and "play".......2007-05-07
Physical activity specialist, Rae Pica values childhood. In her wonderful new book, "A Running Start: How Play, Physical Activity and Free Time Create a Successful Child" Pica gives guidelines that will help parents raise children with the right balance of structured activity and free play.
Today's children seem to go non-stop from one structured afternoon activity to another with little time to themselves to be creative and solve problems. Before children can become successful adults, they need to be children and children learn through play. The best way we can give them a "running start" is to help them to succeed naturally, exploring the outdoors, enjoying and inventing their own games. Parents will hopefully use the phrase "Go Outside and Play" more often after reading this excellent book, written by an internationally recognized educational consultant, who really knows kids! Kudos, Rae, from Marianne Berkes, author of nature-awareness picture books for children.
The Importance of Play and Discovery in Raising Children.......2007-05-01
In "A Running Start: How Play, Physical Activity and Free Time Create a Successful Child," Rae Pica, an internationally recognized educational consultant in early childhood and movement education, shares her techniques for raising children "with the right balance of free play and structured activity." According to Pica, "Today, we have considerable research proving that . . . movement, play, and physical activity contribute to brain and intellectual development." Too often, she contends, we're so focused on "achievement" and "competition" that we're not allowing our children just to have their childhoods. We buy them the most high-tech gadgets and hurry them from one class to another, but "old-fashioned play and physical experiences offer the best opportunities for brain development"--NOT "the latest gadgets and gear." This book is also sprinkled with Play & Learn Activities that provide great ideas for parents to bring fun and play back into their homes and yards.
Help for Parents' of Young Children.......2007-02-02
The "Running Start" is essential reading for every parent of a young child. Many parents are feeling the stress of lives that are filled with too many commitments----that are suppose to be benifical for their child. They are concerned about the negative behaviors they are seeing in their pressured child: irritability, acting out, and refusing to participate.
Pica, a national expert on early childhood development, provides pratical suggestions that will help parents create a more balanced life for their young child. Her techniques and activities are based on sound developmental theory and current research. Following these ideas will help a parent design a wonderful environment that will nuture their young child's development in all domains: physical, cognitively, and socially/emotionally.
I highly recommend this book----I believe it will provide support to parents and others who are invovled in the lives of young children. It will help them make good decisions for the child and their family.
An important book for parents of young children..........2007-01-22
What a terrific new book! A Running Start: How Play, Physical Activity and Free Time Create a Successful Child is a MUST READ for any parent with a young child. Raising a child in todays fast pace world is sometimes confusing and frustrating. Parents face an array of decisions (many of which are commercially driven) about what is best for their child's development. Those who can afford to spend thousands of dollars every year in the hopes of helping their child develop the skills to be successful in a very competitive world. Those who can't afford to often feel guilty because they are not giving their children what they need. Author Rae Pica gives parents and educators of young children a very straightforward and thought provocative case for letting children be children and not trying to force their development. She does an excellent job of helping parents to understand the importance of authentic movement and learning experiences in the life of a healthy young child. The information contained in this book is very relevant to raising today's children. It is based on sound child development research and practice and brings in the best of current brain research on how young children learn. This is an easy to read book filled with "superkid" myths and alerts, reality checks and practical answers for some of today's most difficult issues in raising a successful child. I have found this book to be very comforting and assuring to parents who truly want to give their child the best start in life. I am ordering a copy today for my daughter and her partner who are raising my precious granddaughter.
Patricia Stevens, MA Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood Principal & Head Start Director, Midland, TX.
Books:
- The Outermost House: A Year of Life On The Great Beach of Cape Cod
- The Quilter's Legacy (Elm Creek Quilts Novels)
- The Simple Home: The Luxury of Enough (American Institute Architects)
- The Solar House: Passive Heating and Cooling
- The Zombie Zone (A Stepping Stone Book(TM))
- Tile Your World: John Bridge's New Tile Setting Book
- Tile Your World: John Bridge's New Tile Setting Book
- Twentieth-Century Russian and East European Painting: The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection
- Twentieth-Century Russian and East European Painting: The Thyssen-Bornemisza Collection
- Vitamin D: New Perspectives in Drawing (Themes)
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