Words of Wisdom from Wanda Draper,
"When you are at the end of your rope; tie a knot!"
draper (3)
First let me state my bias to this book and the author. I read the original book by Wanda Draper. It was a breath of fresh air to find a person that knew so much about true life that actually wrote a book about children. It made sense how this could be once I found out how much exprereince Wanda had taught at all levels; from preschool to teaching medical students. True to fashion when I came to know her the matter of fact common sense nature of the book was present in her personality as well. Wanda wasn't a person to get stuck on letters after her name. She respects the knowledge parents have when it comes to their child(ren). Unlike many experts that dismiss the input of parents or downplay the parents knowledge of their own child(ren). In the introduction Wanda states her 4 reasons for writing this book (or re-realsing..which I am glad she did) as; *To increase awareness of a child's capabilities and potentional. *To better understand and accept the feelings and thoughts of a child. *To appreciate the child's perception. *To act in relation to what will bring about a stronger and more meaningful connection between you and your child or your student. I know Wanda personally writes out of a caring heart. She is extremely busy working. Taking the time to do this book meant extra work. Doing the book means she want to accomplish the goals in real terms and real time. "Your child has the capacity to succeed--in life and in school. I believe that ever child is endowed with sensitivity or a spirit of hope from within, that makes it possible to adapt to virtually any situation." She does say that those with special challages face unique battles. Yet, as a mother, this was unique for me. Most experts tell you what your child can't do and try to prepare you for the disapointments that are soon to be at hand. Gloom and doom are the things they preach. Other publications point out that if a child isn't reading by third grade on a certain level it is doubtful that child will ever go beyond that. Wanda, instead points out there is potential and one can rise to the occasion. The book doesn't way a ton but covers all the milestones, secrets of talking and how to get along with your child. Even if you don't have children the book would be a great read on how to get along with others. Wanda talks about how lucky shew was to attend a meeting of atronauts, her work with ophanages overseees and beliefs there are five elements basic to success; *Getting along with others. *Self-confidence. *Vision and a sense of wonder. *The abiity to focus. *Self reflection. Wanda tells you how to do set about helping your child to obtain the skills in working with your child(ren). Furhtermore, she doesn't rag on the parents about the past. She acknowleges one can't do anything about that but can work on things in the present and the future; basically giving hope and encouragement. Of course she explains the develomental milestones of childhood and when it is time to be concerned. She explains in depth about child develpment. Wanda doesn't have to make herself sound good. She writes a short book that delivers content. At the end she give recipes for paste and the likes of home made. This offers savings and a chance to engage parent and child in activites. I do have biasis as Wanda being a friend. Yet, when I bought the first version of the book I didn't know her. That book gave me back my gumption as a parent. Parents without confidence are like a boat without a captian. In short this is a must book for all parents, teachers or provider working with children. It is priced appropriately. Here is the Amazon link to order the book. http://www.amazon.com/Your-Child-Smarter-Than-Think/dp/1614489912/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1389061786&sr=8-1&keywords=Your+child+is+smarter+than+you+think. The hard cover is priced at $33.18, paperback $12.96 and the Kindle edition is $9.99. Here is the book information. *Publisher is Morgan-James. *ISBN-10: 1614489912. *ISBN-13: 978-1614489917.
I haven’t read this yet. I have read the original and loved it.
Wanda Draper Ph.D, is the professional woman that inspired me to write a book to help other in the target audience of special needs or autism. Her book, “Your Child Is Smarter Than You Think,” that is being rereleased or is already now; gave me back my gumption and confidence as a parent. I knew my little one was hiding his secret true intelligence. Confirmation came recently from a Microsoft Grade Readability Calculator, showing eleventh grade sixth month level. There is some error no doubt; but he is afraid to show his true talents because of anxiety. Wanda is right!
I am sure this book will be an A+ addition. When I get my copy I will let everyone know. By the way Amazon says they are taking orders but if you want a copy, I can help you with this. The author has copies available or they are available through the author.
Below is what Amazon has to say about the book
“Your Child Is Smarter Than You Think! bridges the gap between how children think and learn and how they feel and behave. Dr. Wanda Draper discusses a whole-child approachto articulate the child’s development and its relationship to behavior and learning from infancy through adolescence. Based on thirty years of experience with thousands of children of all ages, and their parents and teachers, she suggests simple yet powerful ways to help children achieve success in school and life. She says, “You can’t send the head to school and leave the body at home—the whole child goes to school, the whole child lives at home, and the whole child participates in the world.”
Through a down-to-earth approach, Dr. Draper offers insights about how to tell the difference between natural behavior and a real problem—and what to do about it. She gives a lively explanation of how children think and act in relation to how they feel. Your Child Is Smarter Than You Think! focuses, at each stage and pathway of development, on suggestions for how to successfully:
- live and work with a smart child
- help without interfering
- activate the learning loop
- communicate to get results
“Parents and professionals are often confronted by the challenges of children because they are smarter than we think.”
-Dr. Wanda Draper
Wanda Draper, PhD, professor emeritus of the College of Medicine, University of Oklahoma, testifies about the relationship between childhood development and adulthood consequences as an expert witness in capital death-penalty trials. She studied at Texas Woman’s University, with additional studies at Harvard University and in Geneva, Switzerland. The author of sixteen books, she has appeared on television, including The Oprah Winfrey Show, and has been quoted in CNN News, USA Today, The New York Times,The Washington Post, Parent magazine, and Reader’s Digest.”
I promise this is a must for educators and parents.
