kketelaar's review against another edition

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4.0

Very well researched. Much of the book is looking at the influence of character in children raised in poverty, and how this relates to their educational experiences. Recently, however, I found myself referencing much of what I read here at a meeting regarding the math curriculum at the school my own children attend.

mmphil's review against another edition

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3.0

Well written. Provocative topic. Interesting factoids. But not as well-researched as I would have liked. Profiles of character-education initiatives at the exclusive Riverdale Country School and the KIPP charter schools seemed high on anecdote and low on actual data. And why so much focus on school reform programs like KIPP, OneGoal and the Gates Foundation-backed High School Turnaround that seem to be run by young, white do gooders? I would have liked to hear from seasoned educators who are currently working successfully (or not) in the current system. Nonetheless, enlighting to read about the role that non-cognitive qualities such as grit, self control and social intelligence play in our ability to learn and succeed in life.

lorimichelekelley's review against another edition

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2.0

This book never tells you how kids succeed. Tough admits that nobody really knows yet. I was reading to get some practical strategies to help my elementary kids make more progress but walked away with nothing but frustration at having spent too many of my lunch hours reading this less than helpful book!

kaysharp's review against another edition

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3.0

This was a good overview of the research surrounding different factors influencing and predicting success. However, I was hoping for more practical discussion of implementation. For example, it talks about a preschool focusing on nonacademic skills because those are linked to later success, but it does not actually talk about how to teach those non-academic skills.

crissb's review against another edition

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3.0

Reading the last chapter (5) is really all you need to do if you want the main points. The background for the main points were good, but I, personally, would have been just as fine reading the last part.

igormdemiranda's review against another edition

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4.0

'How Children Succeed: Grit, Curiosity, and the Hidden Power of Character de Paul Tough'
[Não Ficção | Educação]

Quando penso em livros de educação, 'How Children Succeed' é o primeiro que me vem à mente. O que o diferencia em relação a outros livros de educação que falarei no futuro (como Most Likely to Succeed de Tony Wagner e Ted Dintersmith) é o olhar sobre o desenvolvimento neurológico das crianças.

Foi o livro que me mostrou que crianças que crescem em uma ambiente estressante sofrem danos permanentes em seu córtex pré-frontal, o que as torna menos capazes de se concentrar, se recuperar diante de decepções e de também seguir instruções diversas. Isso, é claro, afeta todo o seu desenvolvimento, e por consequência, todas as suas oportunidades futuras.
Foi esse insight que me fez buscar entender mais sobre neuro e epigenética; sem elas, qualquer solução educacional seria incompleta.

Por essa razão, projetos educacionais focados nas regiões mais carentes (e logo com maior probabilidade de enfrentarem situações de vida mais estressantes) precisavam levar esses fatores em conta em sua estratégia. Felizmente, alguns projetos possuem essa visão e buscam formas de reverter, ao menos em algum nível, esses casos quase impossíveis — e é isso que encontramos nas páginas de How Children Succeed. Os achados incríveis de Paul Tough nos dão um determinado alento sobre os rumos que a educação pode, de fato, dar.

É um livro especial, indicado para os apaixonados por educação e que sabem, assim como eu, da importância dela para o desenvolvimento de uma sociedade saudável.

[Esse livro possui versão em português: "Como As Crianças Aprendem" da editora Intrínseca]

kbratten's review against another edition

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4.0

Contrary to what the title implies, this is not a parenting book, but a broader look at the processes and supporting institutions that enable success. The first half of the book is a fascinating look at the concept of character as displayed in advantaged and disadvantaged kids. The last half felt less cohesive and more arbitrarily attached, but the message is clear: character is important. I'd be interested to apply Tough's case for grit, curiosity, self-control, zest, social intelligence, optimism, and gratitude more specifically to anti-poverty programs and parenting. Here he ties it up with education initiatives and policy, which is fitting and not too political. If you're not committed to the 200 pages, read the first half and think on it, and that should be plenty

aprilmay11's review against another edition

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3.0

Is it this? Or that? Some chapters say one thing. I did like how I just re-read the Grit book he quoted. I also agree with the chapter about the mother influence! Ha ha ha! How rats that groomed the babies helped lower the babies stress levels. I also agree there is much more the SAT scores! Kids need to learn Coping skills, real life skills to succeed. Not just how to study. Also it’s not that they are poor that makes them not smart, they just haven’t had the opportunity that those kids with money have! How lucky. I also like the resilience that the kids need to learn. Need it.

heathertuna's review against another edition

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4.0

Very interesting from a Psychological perspective about what it takes to have successfully children, what sort of things can be done at a young age to instill the right values in young children. The style reminded me of Malcom Gladwell's books, which I also immensely enjoyed. Overall, it's worth the time to read and I liked all of the research behind the book.

geokat's review against another edition

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5.0

If you teach in any capacity, or if you work with children, adolescents, young adults (heck, people in general) - read this book! The first chapter was completely eye opening for me.