Connect for Kids / Child Advocacy 360 / Youth Policy Action Center - Developing a Learner

High Hopes

Fri, 20 Jun 2008 14:20:44 -0500

Dorothy Rich, founder of the non-profit Home and School Institute, looks at how teachers can help kids succeed by helping parents remain hopeful and excited about their child's learning.

Books for Tweens & Teens: What's Cool & Why?

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 10:48:19 -0500

Transcript of live chat (7/21/2004)

Do you like to read? According to a recent National Endowment for the Arts analysis of 2002 census data, fewer than half of American adults read literature outside of work and school. And people in their twenties (my cohort!) are said to be reading less and less.

When Less is Better

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 10:36:49 -0500

Ever watch a bunch of 6-year-olds playing soccer? It's chaotic fun, win or lose. Fast-forward five years, though, and you'll see intense play and scary sideline behavior by parents. Maybe, suggests Dr. Alvin Rosenfeld, it's time to back off.

The ABC's of "Ready to Learn"

Wed, 09 Jul 2008 11:02:39 -0500

Preschool is growing up, and getting political. The focus is on getting young kids ready for school, and the policy struggle over what that means. More phonics and seat work? More formal testing? Where do finger paints and clapping games fit in? Child development expert Sue Bredekamp talked to Jan Richter about the five keys to understanding how young children learn.

Key Research on Factors Affecting Early Learning and Cognitive Development

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 22:48:21 -0500

Provocative new research shows a link between children's IQ scores and their families' socio-economic status, offering scientific support for the view that reducing poverty will help kids succeed. CFK has compiled a list of more research and links centered on kids and IQ.

A Personal Tale, a Practical Handbook: Two Approaches to Reading

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:25:52 -0500

Raising a Reader by Jennie Nash and See Johnny Read! by Tracey Wood are two recent books about the critical role parents can play in helping their children build a positive relationship with books and reading. Connect for Kids takes a look between the covers.

New Thinking on Children, Poverty & IQ

Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:13:49 -0500

Provocative new research showing a link between children's IQ scores and their families' socio-economic status offers scientific support for the view that reducing poverty will help kids succeed. Connect for Kids' Jan Richter interviewed lead researcher Eric Turkheimer to learn more.

Early Education for Kids and Communities

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:26:39 -0500

A new survey by the National League of Cities shows that child care and early childhood education are high on the agenda for city leaders. That heightened attention to the early years also has some mayors worried about Bush administration efforts to change Head Start.

Raising a Thinking Child Workbook

Tue, 07 Dec 2004 16:27:00 -0600

Promoted as a way to teach young children to find healthy ways to deal with frustration and everyday conflicts, this activity book for parents has concrete tips and real-life examples that are useful in helping parents weather the storms of the terrible twos and other trying times. Cost: $19.95

Understanding University Success

Tue, 07 Dec 2004 16:29:29 -0600

Even bright students sometimes miss the mark in preparing for college courses. To help students better prepare for the demands of college courses, the Standards for Success project has developed booklets that identify the academic habits and knowledge expected of college students in English, mathematics, natural sciences, social sciences, second languages and the arts. Hard copies are $18.

National Literacy Day

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 13:57:51 -0500

The National Center for Family Literacy celebrates National Family Literacy Day on November 1st. NCFL encourages everyone to build awareness about the importance of families working together to encourage literacy and reading.

Good Early Childhood Programs Work

Wed, 17 Nov 2004 19:17:57 -0600

As policy makers and others debate government funding for pre-kindergarten programs and Head Start expansion, a working paper from the Joint Center on Poverty Research reviews evaluations of several center-based early childhood intervention programs. "What We Know about Early Childhood Interventions" finds that well-designed, well-funded early interventions can have large and significant effects on school readiness and subsequent
child outcomes.

The Magic of Music

Mon, 29 Nov 2004 14:43:45 -0600

Music can have a powerful impact on children�some studies show that math, verbal and spatial IQ abilities benefit from exposure to music. But more than that, music helps children learn to express themselves and their emotions. In our monthly column, Nick Geisinger explores the mystery and value of music.

The Superchild Syndrome

Tue, 22 Feb 2005 19:37:55 -0600

Pressure to get the best grades, win the right awards, have the right friends�in this "do it now world," kids may learn that doing their best will never be enough. How can we protect our children from becoming stressed-out "superkids"?

Understanding Youth Development: An Interview with Karen Pittman

Wed, 24 Aug 2005 10:31:56 -0500

Training in music and arts should be considered as important for kids as cognitive development asserts sociologist Karen Pittman. Learn more in this article from journalist Susan Kellam.