Ann E. Densmore - Your Successful Preschooler: Ten Skills Children Need to Become Confident and Socially Engaged

More Praise for Your Successful Preschooler

The authors offer a rich integration of information from current work in brain physiology as it directly applies to the developing young child. The book is very readable and will help guide parents toward healthy choices for their preschoolers. It also suggests how to accelerate vital links between learning and socialization, critical precursors to later academic and social success.

Bruce Hauptman , MD, child psychiatrist, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Your Successful Preschooler covers an impressive range of important topics while still being highly readable. It will appeal to a broad range of readers because of the artful blending of examples of real children playing and talking that are interwoven with discussion of research. There is wisdom in the discussion of the value of play because dramatic play is critically important to many facets of development and the time for play is being steadily eroded.

David Dickinson , EdD; chair and professor of teaching and learning, Peabody College, Vanderbilt University

Your Successful Preschooler is a valuable resource for parents, teachers, childcare providers, or anyone working directly with young children. Drs. Densmore and Bauman simplify the complexities of the preschool childs developing brain and provide concrete strategies for promoting the development of skills leading to young childrens social and emotional competence and future academic success.

Jacalyn Coyne , coordinator, Early Childhood Education and Pathway to Teaching Careers, Tunxis Community College

Finally there is a book that helps parents understand the vital connection between deep engagement in play, and social and academic success. Parents who read this book will have the framework they need to navigate their children through the minefields that can derail their young childrens optimal development and fulfillment in these challenging times.

Diane E. Levin , PhD; professor of education, Wheelock College, Boston; author of So Sexy So Soon and Remote Control Childhood

Bravo to Ann Densmore for recognizing that there are no issues children will confront in their lives that arent also experienced in play. This book should be read by every early childhood curriculum specialist who believes that learning to read in preschool is more important than learning how to navigate life.

Marilyn V. Walsh , head teacher, Apple Orchard School

Parents and early childhood educators... will benefit from the invaluable knowledge contained in this book.

Kathy Wheeler , head teacher, Cambridge-Ellis School

Dr. Ann Densmore brings to this work a wealth of professional experience and knowledge to guide parents and professionals through the language maze. In this book, Ann demonstrates skills that can make a real difference in the lives of children. Her approach is refreshingly direct and thoughtful.

Nancy Fuller , executive director and founder, Community Therapeutic Day School

Copyright 2011 by Harvard University. All rights reserved.

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Densmore, Ann

Your successful preschooler : ten skills children need to become confident and socially engaged/Ann Densmore, Margaret Bauman.

p. cm.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN 978-0-470-49898-9 (pbk.); ISBN 978-0-470-92585-0 (ebk); ISBN 978-0-470-92586-7 (ebk); ISBN 978-0-470-92587-4 (ebk)

1. Social skills in children. 2. Social interaction in children. 3. Preschool childrenPsychology. I. Bauman, Margaret. II. Title.

BF723.S62D46 2011

649.68dc22

2010037990

To my late mother, Margaret Mary Walsh Densmore, who gave me laughter and love and, most important, introduced me to the world of imagination and creativity.

Ann Densmore, EdD

To my devoted, hardworking staff at the LADDERS clinic, whose passion and devotion to the families and children we serve each day is without parallel. They are an exceptional group of people, and I am truly honored and grateful to have them as colleagues.

Margaret Bauman, MD

Contents

About Harvard Medical School

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Note to the Reader

This book Contains Socialization tips and strategies that will help some children become more social and more successful in their preschool life. Even with dedicated parents, expert therapists who can engage children in play, and early intervention in preschool, some children may not necessarily make the kind of progress that wed like to see. Some children may need attention to medical problems in order to be more receptive to the types of treatment and strategies described in this book. Parents and teachers must approach all of these strategies with caution and monitor the childs progress every day. If the child doesnt progress, perhaps another method might help the child move ahead in the socialization process. Sometimes a combination of several methods works better. Some children respond to play and to direct instruction at the same time or at different times during their preschool years. Sometimes a multifaceted approach is best. These strategies wont help all preschoolers, but they will help many.