How To Talk So Kids Can Learn (Paperback)

by Adele Faber (Author), Elaine Mazlish (Author) "IT WAS THE MEMORIES OF MY OWN TEACHERS-BOTH THOSE I LOVED AND THOSE I HATED-THAT MADE ME decide to become one..." (more)
Key Phrases: Quick Reminder, Ana Ruth, Mary Ann (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
A communications primer for parents on encouraging their child's learning ability.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Following up their best-selling Siblings Without Rivalry (LJ 4/1/87), the authors explain how parents can help make their children more receptive to learning.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Scribner (September 3, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0684824728
• ISBN-13: 978-0684824727
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #11,074 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in this category: (What's this?)

  #80 in

  Books > Parenting & Families > Parenting > Child Care

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A 'Must Read' for anyone who works with children, August 14, 2005

By	Tracy L. Fortun "PirateF" (Chicago IL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am a Montessori teacher with 10 years' experience in the classroom as well as a parent to two young children. I also teach workshops to parents and teachers based on the Faber/Mazlish books.

Anyone who works with children should use this book as a reference and re-read it every year or two. Not simply because these methods are effective - which they absolutely are, when practiced faithfully - but because Faber and Mazlish promote a style of teaching/parenting that helps a child develop a positive self-image, strong skills of communication, empathy for others, and self-control.


I'm so dismayed to see even a few negative reviews of this book, presumably written by educators. One of the negative reviewers is right on the money: if you are a person who believes that the adult must retain absolute power over children, then this is NOT the book for you. I would also say that if you are that person, then you should STOP working with children immediately.

If, however, your goals are to aid a child in the development of a strong character and to help nurture life skills that will lead to an adult that is confident, capable of making decisions, and excited to learn and explore the challenges of the world: then get this book today.

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I highly recommend this incredible book, February 16, 2000

By A Customer

This was a blessing to read! The book offers practical ways to create solutions for problems, how to listen, empathize, and better understand the person with whom you're speaking. As a teacher, I am able to apply this with students of ages ranging from 5 to 15 yrs old, and as a continuing student, I am able to apply communication techniques to others. The illustrations are especially helpful for "review" of the books main focus. This is a simple to read, easy to understand book, with efficient ways to apply knowledge towards MANY people, not only children. I recommend this book for anyone who has an interest in improving their communication skills, interpersonal relationships, and relationships with children. Husbands, wives, teachers, students, THIS BOOK WORKS when applied. I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride when I noticed myself referring to examples from the book, and you can, as well. It's definitely worth reading!

40 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars More of the same from the authors in this excellent series, August 25, 2002

By	David Stengle (Princeton, NJ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book was written in response to requests from educators, some of whom apparently experienced difficulty translating the principles from the authors' earlier work, "How to talk to kids will listen and listen so kids will talk." The writing is clear and the supporting comics are very helpful. Like their earlier works, this is about how to get kids to open up and has useful tips about a variety of subjects. For example, when brainstorming, let them go first so that they are not initimidated by some great suggestion.

As with the earlier works, the ideas apply similarly to adults. I don't think the book is necessary unless one wants more examples applied to primary education. Otherwise, I'd just get their first book.