What Young Children Need to Succeed: Working Together to Build Assets from Birth to Age 11

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Book
Review: Contents of the book
Introduction
The Power of Developmental Assets
The Assets Definded

Building the Assets (Grouped in 8 chapters)
-Support
-Empowerment
-Boundaries and Expectations
-Constructive Use of Time
-Commitment to Learning
-Positive Values
-Social Competencies
-Positive Identity

There are 40 key factors which makes a powerful difference in young people's lives. This book gives more than 1,000 practical. creative ideas for building all 40 assets in children from birth to age 11

Each chapter begins with a general definition of the asset, followed by specific definition for 4 age groups-infants, toddlers, preschoolers and elementary age children. Then following the definition, you'll find ideas for building assets for all children, then ideas for helping children in each of the 4 age goups. Suggestions are given by parents, childcare providers, educators, health-care professionals, congregational leaders, employers, librarians and community leaders on how to build assets in children. Throughout the book, there is a "Did You Know?" section which includes facts about topics and resources which includes books, magazines, organizations and websites which are recommended to look at

Rating:
Summary: What Young Children Need to Succeed
Review: I am a member of a group made up of parents of elementary school students in the beginning stages of a grassroots initiative to promote healthy development in the young children of our community. Our initial efforts are being based on the Healthy Communities/Healthy Kids initiative and the Search Institute's "40 developmental Assets". Most published information on this study has been geared toward children ages 12 and up, ie: "What Kids need to succeed" By Dr. Peter Benson. Since "What Young Children Need To Succeed" is about "working together to build assets from birth to age 11",we have found it extremely relevant and invaluable in helping us develop a plan of action involving our elementary school.

The ideas and concepts are simple and almost common sense but it's an inspirational reminder of how we, as parents and neighbors, can choose to have a positive influence on children.

Of particular interest to our group was the "Assets In Action" boxes appearing throughout the book which outline ways different individuals and organizations have been promoting assets in their communities.

The book is chock full of ideas for being a positive influence in the lives of children for use by anyone who spends time with kids.