Getting Our Kids Back on Track: Educating Children for the Future [Paperback]

Janine Bempechat (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 9, 2000 | ISBN-10: 0787949914 | ISBN-13: 978-0787949914 | Edition: 1

Getting Our Kids Back on Track is a no-nonsense guide for achieving academic success written by an acclaimed expert in the study of motivation and achievement in children. In this indispensable resource, author Janine Bempechat claims that the so-called self-esteem movement has actually worked to undermine academic excellence in our nation's schools. As an alternative, she offers parents clear-cut advice and details step by step how to create a structured, predictable, and consistent home environment that will inspire children to reach their full intellectual potential.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

A highly readable and practical guide to achieving that delicate balance of academic excellence and high self-esteem, Getting Our Kids Back on Track is a realistic look at today's families and their frustrations in trying to "do it all." Full of stories from all kinds of families, examples abound of different parenting styles, teaching methods, and children's personalities. None of these is presented as being "right" or "wrong"--but the author doesn't hesitate to offer suggestions. From homework battles to overbooked sports activities, everyday occurrences are examined and questioned: is it necessary, for example, to spend four hours each day shuttling kids to sports practice, or is there a better way of spending that time? Topics are relevant from kindergarten through the teens, and tend to focus on clear communication and regular examination of priorities to help families stay on track. For quick reference, author Janine Bempechat includes an appendix of questions that relate to each chapter--questions to ask both yourself and your children's teachers. While Back on Track is an excellent starting place for longer dialogues, there are no quick answers to questions like "How much importance am I placing on my children's education relative to other activities in their lives?" and "What do you think are my children's strengths, and how do you think I can encourage their development in those areas?" Still, the stories are warm and humorous, and the book as a whole is encouraging. --Jill Lightner

Review

"Practical solutions that will boost kids' competence and help parents know they can make a difference." (Michele Borba, author, Parents Do Make a Difference)

"Building on her research and personal experiences, Bempechat makes a passionate, provocative, and powerful plea to parents to focus on the academic achievement of their children." (Jerome T. Murphy, Harold Howe II Professor of Education and dean, Harvard Graduate School of Education)

"Hands-on, practical suggestions for helping children find balance in their lives. She helps parents learn how to forge effective partnerships with schools so that all our children may grow into healthy, well-educated, confident adults." (Jeffrey Young, superintendent of schools, Newton, Massachusetts)

"This book is for all elementary principals and the parents of the children they serve. Bempechat suggests practical ways in which parents can become effective partners and advocates in their children's education." (Mark Springer, principal, Mason-Rice Elementary School, Newton, Massachusetts)

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 1 edition (March 9, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0787949914
• ISBN-13: 978-0787949914
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.2 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #884,399 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, May 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Getting Our Kids Back on Track: Educating Children for the Future (Paperback)

A very helpful and enjoyable read. The stories really helped to bring the book into the context of our daily lives. It was easy to relate to many of the families in the book...and Bempechat's advice was reasonable and easy to follw. She didn't make the reader feel like there was an absolute "right and wrong" way, but points out some of the pitfalls we, as parents, all find ourselves in when trying to motivate our children in school.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Helpful and Entertaining Book for Parents, May 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Getting Our Kids Back on Track: Educating Children for the Future (Paperback)

This book is wonderfully informative and entertaining. Bempechat speaks in language accessible to all parents about the struggles we all face trying to do the best for our kids' education. Her anecdotes and suggestions for dealing with everyday problems, such as homework, are right on the mark. Not at all preachy, Bempechat urges that we think about what works best for us and our families, to help us help our kids do well in school. A must read!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great book!, May 20, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Getting Our Kids Back on Track: Educating Children for the Future (Paperback)

A very helpful and enjoyable read. The stories really helped to bring the book into the context of our daily lives. It was easy to relate to many of the families in the book...and Bempechat's advice was reasonable and easy to follw. She didn't make the reader feel like there was an absolute "right and wrong" way, but points out some of the pitfalls we, as parents, all find ourselves in when trying to motivate our children in school.