How to Have Intelligent and Creative Conversations with Your Kids [Paperback]

Jane M. Healy (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 14, 1994

"Healy takes the pretentiousness out of deep thought and demonstrates that intergenerational discussions can be rewarding for adults and children alike."--Gareth B. Matthews, professor of philosophy, University of Massachusetts

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Healy takes the pretentiousness out of deep thought and demonstrates that intergenerational discussions can be rewarding for adults and children alike."--Gareth B. Matthews, professor of philosophy, University of Massachusetts

From the Inside Flap

"Healy takes the pretentiousness out of deep thought and demonstrates that intergenerational discussions can be rewarding for adults and children alike."--Gareth B. Matthews, professor of philosophy, University of Massachusetts

Product Details

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: Main Street Books (July 14, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385472668
• ISBN-13: 978-0385472661
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #843,589 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Help Kids Develop Communication and Problem-Solving Skills, April 4, 2001

By 

F. Hamilton "[e-mail]" (St. Louis, MO United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Have Intelligent and Creative Conversations with Your Kids (Paperback)

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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Healy provides wise instruction for new parents, January 6, 2012

By 

Timothy M. Trogdon "WyalusingTim" (Cleveland, Oh USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: How to Have Intelligent and Creative Conversations with Your Kids (Paperback)

Jane Healy not only discusses the theory about how a young infant's developing mind and emotions operate, she also provides excellent examples that parents can follow regarding their own adult behavior and interaction with their child that provides practical results when you and your child experiences a temper tantrum. After much searching for guidance in this area... Ms. Healy's publications, Dr. Healy's rather, seems to me to be the best at conveying this important information to parents in a practical manner.