Award-winning Marcia L. Tate provides a research-based road map for raising children to reach their fullest potential and strategies for helping young brains “grow dendrites.”

Set children on a path to success by understanding and nurturing the power of the brain Children’s brains develop faster in the early years than at any other time in their lives. If you want to make the most of this pivotal period, there is no time to waste. With newly updated research, the second edition of this bestseller provides parents and educators with strategies for building a brain-compatible environment where young learners can develop the skills they need to be successful. Inside you’ll find: How to design a brain-friendly environment, including the use of music, color, and lighting The effects of verbal communication, reading aloud, and discussion on children’s development Strategies for developing character and responsible behaviors An action plan to help parents follow through with implementation at home Multiple examples of best practices in action Based on the latest research on human growth and development and written by a nationally-known education expert, Preparing Children for Success in School and Life helps you satisfy a child’s natural hunger for learning and ensure that every child gets the best possible chance at success.

Make sure your children grow dendrites! As children′s first teachers, parents need to provide a firm foundation for lifelong learning. In this new book, award-winning educator Marcia L. Tate provides a research-based road map for raising respectful, responsible children who achieve to their fullest potential. The best-selling author, mother, and grandmother shares brain-compatible strategies for guiding children toward personal, academic, and career success. Her latest book provides parents and caregivers with a wealth of practical tips and tools for: Creating a calm and brain-compatible home environment Incorporating positive physical contact and verbal communication Encouraging play that develops creativity and imagination Strengthening children′s auditory, tactile, kinesthetic, and visual modes of learning Preparing Children for Success in School and Life shows parents how to help children′s brains "grow dendrites" in everyday ways such as telling them stories, using music to enhance memory, turning homework time into fun time, and allowing them freedom to draw and write. From day one through graduation and beyond, you and your family will reap the benefits of the author′s 30+ years of experience with thousands of children.

A blueprint for how parents can stop worrying about their children’s future and start helping them prepare for it, from the cofounder and CEO of one of America’s most innovative public-school networks “A treasure trove of deeply practical wisdom that accords with everything I know about how children thrive.”—Angela Duckworth, New York Times bestselling author of Grit In 2003, Diane Tavenner cofounded the first school in what would soon become one of America’s most innovative public-school networks. Summit Public Schools has since won national recognition for its exceptional outcomes: Ninety-nine percent of students are accepted to a four-year college, and they graduate from college at twice the national average. But in a radical departure from the environments created by the college admissions arms race, Summit students aren’t focused on competing with their classmates for rankings or test scores. Instead, students spend their days solving real-world problems and developing the skills of self-direction, collaboration, and reflection, all of which prepare them to succeed in college, thrive in today’s workplace, and lead a secure and fulfilled life. Through personal stories and hard-earned lessons from Summit’s exceptional team of educators and diverse students, Tavenner shares the learning philosophies underlying the Summit model and offers a blueprint for any parent who wants to stop worrying about their children’s future—and start helping them prepare for it. At a time when many students are struggling to regain educational and developmental ground lost to the disruptions of the pandemic, Prepared is more urgent and necessary than ever.

Being a parent is hard. You are your child's first teacher and there are so many things they need to learn, from the time they're born to when they're at school. Your child will learn more in their first five years of life than ever! And you will play an important role in how successful your child is. This book will help you and your child to not only survive, but thrive in the early years. You can then stress a little less knowing you've done all you can to prepare them and yourself for school. And maybe even have some fun along the way!'Easy to read, informative, humorous. Could be called "Parents Handbook on Raising Children". Touched on every topic, sound advice. Recommend to any parent preparing their child for school and life!' Lea Martin (Principal, Mother) 'A breeze to read, practical advice. Maps out the early school years. Her passion, desire for each child's school success evident!' Chanelle Chate (Speech Language Pathologist)'Practical advice, ideas, easy to read, non-judgmental. Sure to set you and your child up for success at school. Essential reading for any parent!' Matthew Thompson (Principal, Father)

Set children on a path to success by understanding and nurturing the power of the brain Children’s brains develop faster in the early years than at any other time in their lives. If you want to make the most of this pivotal period, there is no time to waste. With newly updated research, the second edition of this bestseller provides parents and educators with strategies for building a brain-compatible environment where young learners can develop the skills they need to be successful. Inside you’ll find: How to design a brain-friendly environment, including the use of music, color, and lighting The effects of verbal communication, reading aloud, and discussion on children’s development Strategies for developing character and responsible behaviors An action plan to help parents follow through with implementation at home Multiple examples of best practices in action Based on the latest research on human growth and development and written by a nationally-known education expert, Preparing Children for Success in School and Life helps you satisfy a child’s natural hunger for learning and ensure that every child gets the best possible chance at success.