From Publishers Weekly
Fox, head of a girl's boarding school in New Jersey, writes about a strengths-based curriculum she developed and implemented with great success. She not only presents a workbook that can be utilized by educators and parents, but also offers a convincing argument in favor of over-turning outdated curriculums and teaching methods. Instead of focusing on weaknesses, Fox submits that children do far better when the focus is on their strengths. Childhood is for "creative dreaming," not preparation for standardized tests. Fox identifies three types of strengths: activity, learning and relationship strengths, and helps parents guide their children toward self-discovery, explaining that true strengths include not only what a child is good at, but what she enjoys and makes her feel strong. The book is written in a lively and engaging style, and sprinkled with anecdotes from Fox's teaching life and her own experiences as a student who was frustrated and uncomfortable in a traditional school setting. Clearly, writing is one of Fox's strengths, as is her inspiring passion for helping kids lead meaningful lives.
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From AudioFile
Jenifer Fox makes a compelling case that our education system ("an anxiety-producing machine") is not working for students. Because that system focuses on labeling and fixing weaknesses rather than on celebrating strengths, Fox argues, students' abilities get overlooked or negated, leading many to abandon interest in school altogether. Ren©e Raudman delivers Fox's provocative message--laced with plentiful anecdotes and illustrations--in sometimes curiously distracting tones that often strike the ear as plaintive or wistful-sounding. Her reenactments of conversations are better, though overall her soft-spoken voice can seem overly emotional in a way that may distract some listeners from Fox's material until they're used to her style. Nonetheless, listeners will learn a lot from this provocative and practical book, which will strike a chord with many parents and teachers. J.C.G. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine--
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