How to...Intelligent Conversation with Kids

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Summary: Help Kids Develop Communication and Problem-Solving Skills
Review: Jane Healy has written perspicuously about the learning process and impediments to thinking in the electronic age. In this small volume she provides step-by-step concrete suggestions for engaging children in open-ended discussions about questions that do not have right answers. Such conversations can help children become better thinkers, better communicators, and better problem solvers. The techniques that Dr. Healy delineates can be used at home, at school, when traveling, anywhere that a conversation can occur.

Dr. Healy suggests that adults begin by setting aside time for creative conversations with children and by making sure that all participants know the ground rules. She suggests many ways adults can model creative thinking as well as ways they can encourage children to express themselves. She offers specific ways to acknowledge a statement, restate it, clarify it, disagree with it, redirect it, and expand it.

About half the book comprises what Healy calls "playful ponderings" -- examples of the open-ended questions that can serve as the catalyst for conversations. She divides these into three levels:

Mind-Openers (for primary-aged children; dealing with concrete objects and experiences). Example: How can you tell that someone is your friend? What do you need to do to be a friend?

Mind-Stretchers (for third graders through adolescents). Example: Design the perfect house pet. What would you name it?

Mind-Bogglers (for mature middle schoolers, teens, and adults; requiring abstract reasoning skills). Example: Why do you suppose people sing?

Many questions are followed by conversation hints and follow-up questions. A special feature is the suggestion of read-aloud selections to enhance discussion. The bibliography includes additional guides to read-alouds as well as sources on communication, creative thinking, and questioning.

HOW TO HAVE INTELLIGENT AND CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS WITH YOUR KIDS is a valuable resource for any parent or teacher -- or anyone else who wants to help children develop their thinking and communication skills.