Brain Stages: How to Raise Smart, Confident Kids and Have Fun Doing It, K-5

Enjoy your kids more and stress less!

Brain Stages is the ultimate leg up for parents and caregivers in today’s complicated, competitive world. A grade-by-grade guide through the formative elementary school years, this book will show you how to have fun with your kids as you help them grow into successful, well-adjusted humans.

Drawing from thousands of hours of research and decades of education experience, veteran teacher Patricia Wilkinson and learning expert Jacqueline Frischknecht, PhD, offer tools and advice that will boost your child’s brainpower, social skills, and love for learning.

In Brain Stages, you’ll discover:

• How brains develop and what you can do to help your child succeed
• The best form of praise that builds confidence and self-esteem
• Surefire ways to help a struggling child get caught up in math or reading
• How to get your gifted child’s needs met
• Ideas for helping an anxious child relax for better learning
• Tips for teaching kids the art of building healthy relationships
• Over 150 fun games and activities to engage and nurture young minds
  

Whether you have a child who has fallen behind, an extra smart kid you want to keep intrigued, or a grade-schooler who could use some help getting along with others, Brain Stages will give you the information and support you need to be an effective parent and enjoy your child-raising journey.

“A fun, informative resource that every parent will find valuable and easy to read.”—Eric Jensen, PhD, Brain-Based Learning

“No educator, parent, or childcare professional should be without this early childhood guide . . . Brain Stages is very especially recommended for its specific programs, age-appropriate observations and applications, and for creating a structure that will make it easy for adults to craft a road map to success.”—Diane Donovan, Midwest Book Review

“Finally, a guide to help your child enjoy learning based upon the latest brain research and explained by a veteran teacher, who offers parents fun, practical strategies.”—S. Cradduck, Licensed Educational Psychologist

“What a great book! By framing the discussion of normal social, emotional, and academic development through the elementary grades with up-to-the-minute neuroscience, the authors have created a handbook of research-backed and experience-proven strategies that parents can apply in daily life with their elementary-age kids.”—Emily Hitchcock, MD

“Brain Stages is the go-to book for parents and teachers. It covers all areas of childhood, is fun, and gives parents ways to connect with their children. For teachers and schools, it's a good resource for activities and talking points to help parents with their children.”—Louise Wilson, AMS Primary Montessori Guide, NAMC Elementary Guide

“Brain Stages is a wonderful guide and great reference for parents and educators who are interested in how children's brains impact their behavior during childhood . . . This book belongs in every home and school across the country.”—Yessica Diaz Roman, MSW, Doctor of Public Health

“Written in an engaging and accessible way, Brain Stages offers timely and timeless guidance for raising and teaching today's children.”—Lori Bogen, PhD, Elementary School Principal 

“Brain Stages is an excellent tool for all parents wanting success for their child in elementary school. The grade level academic skills are on target, the games are engaging, and every parent can relate to the "Real Deal" stories. As a principal for 18 years and the GEAR-UP Site Director for the state of Ohio, I would tell all my parents their homework assignment is to read this book.”—Maureen Heintz, Licensed School District Administrator K-12: New York, Ohio, Florida, and Oregon