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	Gifted Bookstore also save $5 with a special Zone discount on Online Self-Portrait™ Learning Style Profiles. Positive Thinking for Kids by Elizabeth Pantley author of "Kid Cooperation, Perfect Parenting & more During their growth and development, children go through many stages of self-doubt. They are always comparing themselves to others, and they often see themselves as coming up short. As parents, we can offset this natural tendency in our children by giving them the skills to think more positively. We need to arm our children with a positive attitude, so that they can stay focused in the right direction. We'll look at some typical negative statements from children, along with some positive responses from their wise parents. Modeling a positive attitude is one of the most effective ways of teaching your children. Children learn what they live. Find out more. "Are You Qualified to Homeschool?" by Julie Gattis excerpted from "McGraw Hill Homeschool Companion" hosted by Joe Spataro Julie Gattis is a homeschooling mom of four children and the co-author of the McGraw Hill Homeschooling Companion. She took her experience and collaborated with her co-author Laura Saba to create a book which is a comprehensive guide containing vital information. In this interview and FREE excerpt from her book, Julie shares with us some of her insights on what it takes for a parent to be "qualified to homeschool" and also some tips on educating children with special needs. Overcoming Depression & Finding Happiness excerpted from "Family Desk Reference to Psychology" by Chuck T. Falcon Depressed people often lose interest in many activities and social contacts because of loss of pleasure in and enthusiasm for their usual activities. There are many effective ways to overcome depression. In this essay from author and Counseling Psychologist Chuck Falcon, he illustrates the causes and treatment of depression; how activity can help break the depression cycle along with a step-by-step guide on things that you can do to feel better. Don't forget to join our discussion groups where you can ask your questions and share your feelings. Shakespeare Youth Theatre by Beth Bruno & Lois Lake Church The Shakespearean Youth Theatre, a group of 14 homeschooled young people, ages 12 to 17, from many parts of Connecticut, has performed annually since 1997 at the Puppet House Theater in Stony Creek (Branford), CT. Each January the troupe chooses a play and begins rehearsing. The entire troupe is dedicated to performing quality productions of Shakespeare and learning about the play, the playwright and theater. To this end, the cast is highly involved in every aspect of the production, from selecting and editing the play, to publicity, sets and costumes. Find out more about the troupe and how you might be able to form your own company where you live. Self-Directed Home Schooling by Lisa Rivero author of "Creative Homeschooling for Gifted Children" There are nearly as many definitions of unschooling as there are people who consider themselves unschoolers. Lisa Rivero, author of Creative Homeschooling for Gifted Children, says: "I prefer to use the phrase self-directed learning or self-directed home schooling to unschooling as a way to describe our home schooling approach, because it is a more positive description of what actually occurs." In this adapted excerpt from her book, she describes how self-directed learning is an educational philosophy that emphasizes the child's role as an active learner. She shows how parents can introduce self-directed learning to their children by giving their children input into the content of study, materials used for study, and the pace of study. "Environmental Sensitivity in the Gifted" by Renita Smith As parents of gifted children, we are all too familiar with the intense - even volatile -- reactions of our children. Most of us have never heard that extreme physical sensitivity is "normal" in gifted children. One typically finds in gifted individuals an extreme sensitivity-- to emotions, sounds, touch, taste, etc. Find out more about this and how to identify, understand and cope with these challenges in our children. Serving Gifted Children by Beth Bruno "Giftedness often surfaces as early as two or three years of age, long before the schools formally identify it. Even when children are identified as "gifted," most states do not fund special programs for them. That leaves the responsibility for the education of gifted children, for the most part, in the hands of teachers and parents." In this article, Beth Bruno, author of "Wild Tulips: Raising Parents in a Complex World," talks about the characteristics of gifted children and special programs that can be of help. Meet the Author James D. Sutton, EdD, CSP author of "If My Kid’s So Nice… Why Is He Driving Me Crazy?" hosted by Joe Spataro with a FREE excerpt Chap7: The "Quick Fix" He speaks to us about a variant on ODD (Oppositional Defiant Disorder) called the "The Good Kid Disorder." As an educator, he has taught everything from grade school to graduate school. His interest in working with emotionally troubled youngsters motivated him to earn a doctorate in psychology. Today, Dr. Sutton addresses the needs of young people as a consulting psychologist, an author, and an accomplished speaker. Find out more. Asperger's Syndrome by Sue Spataro, RN, BSN What is it & does your child have it? AS is defined as a form of autism. It was "discovered" by Hans Asperger's back in 1944. It is stressful for kids with AS to interact with other kids and adults. Though they may desperately want to have friends they find that it's very hard to "read" and understand what others mean. It's as if they are "emotionally blind". Find out how to recognize AS in your child, what experts in the field have to say about this condition, and what you can do help make you life better. "Wild Tulips" Raising Parents in a Complex World by Beth Bruno hosted by Joe Spataro Beth Bruno is the author of Wild Tulips, which is a collection of entertaining tales about parenting. She has always been "fascinated by people - their motives, emotions, what makes them tick." As a school psychologist, her philosophy is not to solve problems for people, but rather "to help people discover their inner resources and create ways to help themselves." In this interview with Beth, she discusses how living life is akin to gardening; what lessons her book can teach homeschoolers; a little bit about Beth's daughter Nikki; her approach to dealing with school districts; and an essay on "special" education that focuses on bringing out the strengths in our children. She is available for your questions and we hope to have a lively discussion. "Musical Spanish" Learning Spanish through pop music! by Stacey Tipton hosted by Joe Spataro Stacey Tipton has spoken and taught Spanish for over 14 years, teaching at Tulane University, Berlitz, and in Buenos Aires. She started using music to learn a foreign language many years ago while she was a Rotary Exchange student in Zacatecas, Mexico. Music played a large role in her becoming fluent in Spanish, and also helped her retain my language skills through the years. In this interview, find out how the connection between learning Spanish and music began; how her immersion in Spanish culture and language in Zacatecas, Mexico shaped her as a teenager; her other musical tastes and a special FREE interactive lesson where you can learn Spanish while learning from the popular song, La Cucaracha. Meet the Authors Mariaemma Willis, M.S. & Victoria Kindle Hodson, M.A. "Discover Your Child's Learning Style" hosted by Joe Spataro Interview & FREE Excerpt This book honors and celebrates the unique learning styles of all children. The authors discuss their ideas on ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, homeschooling, afterschooling as well as an easy to follow way to assess your child. The book contains a step-by-step program of self awareness test that guide you to a better understanding of your child’s unique strengths and weaknesses. "Is My Child Gifted?" by Jane Smith There are many forms of giftedness. A gifted student, "shows, or has the potential for showing, an exceptional level of performance in one or more areas of expression." There are five areas of giftedness: Visual & Performing Arts; General Intellectual Ability, Creative Thinking, Specific Academic Ability and Leadership "A Gifted Afterschooler's Journey" by Ruth Raymond I am the mother of a 13 year-old son who was identified in kindergarten and thereafter as extremely gifted. I wish that we had started the homeschooling much earlier. He says now that he will "never" go back to school, that he is much happier at home. Find out more about his journey from K to middle school. Meet the Author The Explosive Child by Ross Greene, Ph.D. hosted by Joe Spataro interview & FREE Guide to Explosive Children Now there is a new way for you, your child, and your entire family to find help. In this groundbreaking new book, Dr. Ross Greene, a child psychologist at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, makes a compassionate argument that the difficulties of these children stem from developmental deficits in two critical skills: flexibility and frustration tolerance. He asserts that if such children could do well, they would. We have an interview with Dr. Greene and an excerpt for his book that will help you identify if you child has this problem and what you can do about it. Bipolar Disorder in Children Who has it and what you can do By Martha Hellander, J.D. Bipolar disorder (also known as "bipolar illness" or "manic-depressive illness") is a treatable neurobiological brain disorder believed to occur in at least 1-2 percent of the adolescent and adult population. As many as one million or more children under 18 in the U.S. may have bipolar disorder (mostly undiagnosed and untreated). Children with bipolar disorder are at risk for school failure, substance abuse, and suicide. Children as young as 3 may talk of wanting to "make myself dead." What are the signs and symptoms of this problem and what can you do about it? Find out more. Teaching Autistic Children Who Aut to Be Home! by Tammy Glaser The role of homeschooling in autism Because traditional classrooms bombard their delicate senses, autistic children learn more freely at home. The "experts" discourage diving into homeschooling, so parents cautiously dip their toes into supplementing part-time. Once they wade into full-time teaching, many find the waters refreshing! Find out more about autism through the personal journey of Tammy Glaser and her autistic daughter, Pamela with supporting resources and available discussion groups. The Survival Guide for Parents of Gifted Kids: How to Understand, Live With, and Stick Up for Your Gifted Child by Sally Yahnke Walker, Susan K. Perry Gifted Bookstore If you are the parent of a child classified as gifted and you feel like you need some help this book is a good place to start. It provides easy to understand, common sense approaches to the unique problems faced by the parents of gifted children. It also provides excellent sources of information for further research. Bipolar Disorder in Children Author Judith Allee of Homeschooling on a Shoestring gives her thoughts on bipolar disorder in children and how it can often be confused with ADD. She says, "Many (maybe most) of the adults diagnosed with bi-polar seem to go through multiple diagnoses before finding help, partly because bi-polar is difficult to diagnose, and partly because doctors seem to be leery about "labeling" a child with bi-polar. Part of the confusion is that kids with bipolar may have very different symptoms from adults." Find out more. How to Solve Word Problems in Algebra: A Solved Problem Approach (Schaum's Solved Problems Series) by Mildred Johnson, Tim Johnson also see Algebra Math Center Word problems?? No problem!! Be prepared when you get to the word-problem section of your test! With this easy-to-use pocket guide, solving word problems in algebra become almost fun. This anxiety-quelling guide helps you get ready for those daunting word problems, one step at a time. With fully explained examples, it shows you how easy it can be to translate word problems into solvable algebraic formulas--and get the answers right! Meet the Author Frederick Bennett, Ph.D. Author of Computer as Tutors Interview & FREE Excerpt Hosted by Joe Spataro He has taught at the college and university levels, and has his doctoral degree in psychology and is a professional computer programmer. This unusual background forms the foundation for his penetrating look at where education must be directed in the new millenium. I wanted to ask Dr Bennett to focus on a topic of interest to many of the people in our audience who active homeschoolers or who express an interest in getting personally involved in their children’s education - the gifted child. Meet the Author - Janie & Richard Jarvis "The Magic Bookshelf" A Parent's Guide to Showing Growing Minds the Path to the Best Children's Literature See the cyber interview and a FREE excerpt of this book hosted by Joe Spataro They have written a comprehensive parents' guide to helping children learn to make the right reading choices while creating a more literary environment in their homes. The book helps parents transform their child's lives and brighten their futures by introducing them early to the very best children's literature. Find our more. "Homeschooling is the Best Way!" by Vicki A. Van Camp, M.A., Child Development Specialist As a Child Development Specialist, I have spent many years working with special needs children, including those diagnosed as Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). I would like to share some of what I have learned and how I came to realize that homeschooling is the best possible situation for children experiencing these difficulties. Find out more. FAQ: "What about "talented & gifted kids" by Linda Drake "The Gifts of Homeschooling" by Janie Bowman Core Knowledge Series (K to 6) What Your Kindergartner Needs to Know: Preparing Your Child for a Lifetime of Learning Find out more - click here by E. D. Hirsch (Editor), John Holdren (Editor) With its comprehensive curriculum providing a sound basis in the fundamentals of math, art, history, language arts, science, and technology, the phenomenally successful Core Knowledge series has become an esteemed tool for parents and teachers striving to better educate today's children.		What is the best way to teach my child? Find out with Online Self-Portrait™ Learning Style Profiles Now get $5 off!! Find out more - click here Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons Homeschool Your Child for FREE more Curriculum Guides more homeschooling books Homeschooling for Excellence Gifted and Talented Language Art : A Workbook for Ages 6-8 Gifted and Talented Puzzles and Games for Reading and Math : A Workbook for Ages 6-8 The Explosive Child Interview with author Ross Greene FREE ADD & special kids support Craft Fun With Sondra Look What You Can Make With Boxes Interview with Sondra more Kid craft books Accidental Genius by Kevin and Cassidy Kearney Experienced home schoolers, Kevin and Cassidy Kearney explain in an easy-to-read guide-- packed with examples-- how you can take charge of the education of your gifted/special needs children. Experts Kevin and Cassidy Kearney show you: How you can have a more normal home life by tapping and redirecting the boundless hyper-energy of brilliant children... 14 undocumented characteristics of the highly gifted that put them at risk for being mislabeled as Learning Disabled or ADD/ADHD... Animals: A Science Workbook for Ages 4-6 (Gifted & Talented) by Mary Kraynak Bozansky Animals delves into the world's various scientific classifications of animals: mammals, birds, fish and reptiles. Animals' habitats, rituals, eating habits, and physical characteristics are also explored. The workbook includes a 16"x20" full-color poster complete with diagrams and fascinating facts, and a glossary of important scientific terms. Illustrations throughout. The Good Son: Shaping the Moral Development of Our Boys and Young Men by Michael Gurian The author of two groundbreaking bestsellers introduces a comprehensive cradle-to-college parenting program for raising ethical sons. In his eagerly awaited new book, therapist and educator Michael Gurian presents the definitive guide to the moral development of our boys and young men. He takes readers through a complete parenting program, showing them how to instill virtues in boys at each of the three stages of life: The Age of Obedience (birth to six); The Age of Convention (seven to twelve); and The Age of Moral Intuition (thirteen to eighteen). The Defiant Child: A Parent's Guide to Oppositional Defiant Disorder by Douglas Riley The American Psychiatric Association estimates that sixteen percent of children in the United States may have oppositional defiant disorder. These kids relentlessly push the boundaries set for them by authority figures. By exploring the mindset of O.D.D. children and explaining the way they operate, Dr. Douglas Riley teaches parents how to recognize the signs and modify the behavior of their O.D.D.

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