School Smart Parent

April 1, 1989
In a book that lives up to the promise of its title, a former education writer for the New York Times provides parents with a realistic ``blueprint for success.'' The formidable task of preparing children for school and helping them as students begins early, emphasizes Maeroff, for by the time a child has reached age three, the building blocks of intellectual achievement are substantially in place. Home, then, is the first classroom, parents the first teachers. Important signposts along the road of elementary schooling are observed in this comprehensive guide which helps parents monitor a child's progress through the first six grades. Curriculum, supplementary programs, advocacy for special needs are among the issues addressed. For parents of school-beginners this is an anxiety-reducing tool. First serial to Parenting magazine; author tour.

April 1, 1989
Maeroff is a former New York Times education correspondent and a prolific writer of books and articles on schooling. This book is crammed with excellent suggestions for preparing a young child for preschool programs, evaluating nursery and elementary schools and child care facilities, assessing a child's progress, understanding responsibilities of teachers, presenting concepts in many subject fields, and building character. There are also chapters on the special responsibilities of parents of gifted and handicapped children, homework, computers, developing thinking skills, and reinforcing schooling at home. The tone is encouraging, the advice detailed and sound. An invaluable guide for parents, teachers, students of education, and informed citizens.-- Shirley L. Hopkinson, San Jose State Univ., Cal.

Copyright 1989 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.