Good Ideas How to be Your Child's and Your Own

by Michael Rosen

Learning can be much more fun -- and former children's laureate, million-selling author, broadcaster, father of five and all-round national treasure, Michael Rosen wants to show you how.

Genres: Nonfiction, Parenting, Education, Childrens, Teaching

368 pages, Hardcover

First published September 11, 2014

About the author

Michael Rosen, a recent British Children’s Laureate, has written many acclaimed books for children, including WE'RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT, illustrated by Helen Oxenbury, and I’M NUMBER ONE and THIS IS OUR HOUSE, both illustrated by Bob Graham. Michael Rosen lives in London.

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have always had a real fondness for Michael Rosen – his children’s books populate my bookshelves and I have read them countless times to my own children over the years. So I was intrigued when I came across this book about helping create learning opportunities for your children in everyday life. There are so many parenting/education books on the market and I recently read one called, “Beyond the Tiger Mom,” which looked at the differences between the Western and Eastern approaches of educating children. Without doubt, Michael Rosen is totally on the Western side of the fence. This book is completely child centred and is all about encouraging your child’s interests, without leading them in your own particular interests or making any demands. In fact, Rosen makes the point that his own parents worked in education themselves, and that they made the odd suggestion – such as now was the time to read Thomas Hardy - or criticised homework that he received. Although not critical of his parents, Rosen suggests that we should follow a child’s interests, rather than lead. I am totally in favour of supporting my own children’s interests, but, although I think it is fantastic to browse books in the library, I do not think it is wrong to introduce children to certain books or authors, or to suggest trying activities.

Although this book does seek to inspire parents – it is probably best for those who have less confidence in their own educational skills, or parenting abilities. Much of the information is fairly obvious in many respects, with Rosen suggesting activities that you can do in every room of the house, while on days out, on holidays or while travelling; as well as helping with homework and encouraging writing. Although I did not feel this offered me, as a parent, much that I did not already know, I did enjoy Rosen’s really enjoyable writing style. This is full of little snippets about his own childhood, about work he does and about his own children. If you are finding it hard to stimulate, engage or help your own children, this is packed full of ideas that are really easy to do. It even suggests things you can use at home, books and websites you can use and games you can play. A good read, especially if you feel you need some confidence to help your child and are not sure where to start.

[Sam Arnold · Rating 4 out of 5]

I remember as a child reading Michael Rosen books. I even believe he may have visited my school. This books takes my love of Rosen to a new level.

His common sense approach in this book is unique. He clearly shows how you can make a real difference in a child's life if your lucky enough to have them. He mixes his brand of education along with personal experiences and tips. All of this is wrapped up quite beautifully with a sprinkle of a wicked sense of humour.

Whether you have children or not this is a must read.

[Jeni Brown · Rating 2 out of 5]

I expected more - perhaps more theory, more thought, maybe more science. Was disappointed that it was mostly a list of different places or activities which had potential for learning and questioning, with a few examples of questions or personal anecdotes thrown in. Very samey and for me, very superficial.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know it's had a lot of criticism for being a big book of obviousness, but actually I thought it cheerful, engaging and accessible, and sort of reassuring in what I'm doing, even though really I do know it by now. I might even say "inspiring". And I know some people hated the anecdotes but I liked them a lot.

My only relevant criticism is that he says near the end something along the lines of "you can borrow e-books for your Kindle from all UK libraries", and then repeats it as an amazing cool fact, except I don't think that's true - you can borrow e-books in the sort of formats you can read on a pc or other e-readers, but not in any format that you can use on a kindle unless you're also happy to download dodgy software. My life would be richer in all sorts of ways if you actually could do this. I suppose it just made it seem a little bit ivory tower, maybe from someone who just buys any book he wants to read but thinks everyone else should just be using the library? Or otherwise makes me wonder how accurate the research is on other factual stuff where I didn't just happen to know it wasn't quite right.

[Hayley F]

As a home educator, this book offered a treasure trove of organic learning opportunities. It's not a book I see many people talk about but one I would highly recommend.

It's not written for home educators, instead it falls somewhere between a parenting book and an education book, but I feel like that makes it such a great fit for anyone who is educating their kids at home. It offers a lot of food for thought alongside the actual ideas as well as insight into Michael Rosen's life. Rosen covers how his parents used everyday moments as learning opportunities and how he, in turn, did the same with his children.

[Dancall · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book all about how to make learning fun for kids, with lots of practical examples, illustrative stories, and sensible advice. I really loved this, and while much of it is common sense, it reminded me of why I love learning. For example, he talks about kids developing a love of browsing, being able to choose which books they want to take out of the library, and developing their own tastes and interests, as an important part of human development. I will definitely be giving copies of this to friends who have kids.

[Renetta Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great ideas for doing with children and also for doing myself :-) Loved it, found it thought provoking and inspiring. Lots of different ideas of ways to be playful and creative whilst learning something new...maybe even educational!!!

[Catherine Whitelam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good read at any time, but especially with kids at home, to reset yourself (me) with a healthier perspective on learning beyond school set work that engages carer and child with the world around us and the strength of curiosity. Very inspired!

[Matthew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many, many open ended starting points, making it a very useful book to dip into as a parent. I’m a primary teacher and will be trying to use some of these ideas in my own lessons. Highly recommend it.

[Debra Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this thought provoking read on teaching children how to be more curious, it makes me want to raise my own children all over again. There is just so much more I would've done.

[Leanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I actually haven't read all that many Michael Rosen books before, and until recently, I didn't know who he was or that Going on a Bear Hunt was a proper book. I did recall though that I enjoyed the way he read his own story (Bear Hunt) with such expression and you could tell he enjoyed reading it.

I was looking for an audio book to purchase with a free credit and I was immediately bored by nearly all the samples I had heard - very few were read by the author, most sounded like they were being read by computers creating something I wasn't bound to enjoy to really engage with.

When I saw that Michael Rosen had a book relating to the topic I was interested in - teaching - I was quick to check it out and enjoy the way it sounded: with such expression.

His book is about how to become the best teacher for your child(ren), and as a teacher, I found this book quite on the mark for how it should be in a classroom as well: children should be inspired to ask questions and want to find out the answers. I've learned that you can't simply give children the answers to all their questions - even if you do know the answer - you have to let them try to solve or find it them selves. Rosen is right on the mark with this one. When I have students asking me something - especially something I'm not sure of the answer - I'll often suggest we look it up to find out later, and then make a note (the kids will often remind me though).

I also enjoyed hearing stories from his childhood, as well as stories about his children. This helped bring the ideas of what he was suggesting to reality. "Here's something I've tried with my children, why don't you give it a go with yours?"

I found this book quite enjoyable to hear and the ideas were well thought out and encouraging.

[Sharon Gardner · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book because it brings home that education and learning are much broader than what we learn when at school. We are surrounded by learning opportunities and we simply have to listen to our children and respond to their questions. As Michael Rosen says it is important to be curious. This is our main tool for learning about the world.
A lot of the anecdotes and learning opportunities he gives would not work with my own child but the underlying principles are sound and infinitely adaptable to your own circumstances. Enable your child to follow their curiosity and the world is their oyster.

[Louise Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Packed full of ideas for how to inspire your kids to enjoy learning and being learners. It should all be common sense but it's not so I found this book inspiring and useful as my eldest is just embarking on school life. I enjoyed Rosen's personal experiences and insights from his childhood memories to how he's doing now as a parent. I only got slightly frustrated by being forced to look at Google for so many of the questions that he suggests we - and our children - should ask (along the "why is the sky blue?" lines).

[Samantha Lane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable, many many practical, fun and creative ideas about how to make the most of teachable moments. I especially liked the reminder that learning is essentially about curiosity and it can be very powerful to answer a child's many questions with "I don't know ... let's find out!" Lots of helpful advice for parents and teachers alike. My only gripe was that it felt like there were too many anecdotes (oh no, not another story ...) but I'm sure many people will enjoy this and find it useful for understanding the concepts being discussed.

[Antony · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really nice read. Made me really appreciate all the questions my inquisitive 10 year old asks me constantly because I was able to put this book's advice straight into practice. E.g. from the walk home from school today: "what things are made from titanium?", "what was the Titanic made from?", "Is titanic a word in English?", "What does it mean?". My answers: "bikes (expensive ones)", "steel", "yes", "really, really big". Learning is fun! Also really enjoyed the family anecdotes, which made me think of funny things my family used to say.

[Mandabplus3 · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's a chatty read full of little ideas on ways to add learning to your childs every day events. IMHO it's about 150 pages longer than it needs to be needs a tough editor to run lines through whole sentences to make it more succinct. This would improve it immensely. Recommended for beginners looking for after school learning ideas, parents feeling lost or clueless and new foster carers with no children of their own. Most ideas are common sense but some you won't have thought of.

[Gervy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this up at random at the library despite the Mister Maker-ish cover featuring the exhausted-looking author (v. strange marketing). This book is written with deceptively simple language. The introductory section is a quite erudite exposition of Rosen's approach to education. The rest of the book provides prompts for stimulating kids' learning through everyday life - and as such might seem mundane, but really does provide a lot to think about.

[Sam Worby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspirational and full of wonderful ideas. Advice on how to help children learn to learn and feel entitled to learn by engaging their curiosity and passions. Probably more of a dip-in book than one to read straight through. But full of thoughts and attitudes I want to remember and use!

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was not the book I thought it would be based on the title "Good Ideas". It mainly deals with identifying teachable moments from everyday situations you might have with your children. It is lovely to read though and it did remind me of plenty of things I can do with my boys.

[Susannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Without wishing to sound parsimonious, most of the ideas in this book, all good ones, I have already clocked. So it was a very swift read and a smile every so often when Michael went off on his journeys of childish imagination. Would be wicked to have MR as your dad.

[Esther · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've even started following his tweets now. He should be British Prime Minister. Thanks Susannah May. I saw you'd read this and picked it up. Glad to see the endless chattering and answering questions is all to the good (which I knew anyway but still...)

[Seawood · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable for the first 2/3rds, then skim-read as it got repetitive. Tbh I've always done this kind of talking and learning with my own kids and in school, so there was nothing new for me here, but I think it'd make a great gift for new parents.

[Jacob Kanev · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quite a few nice observations, ideas, and personal experience regarding child upbringing, both from the position of the child and of the parent. In general is style of writing is rather wordy. Easy to read though, the perfect book to deposit in the bath room.

[Susanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Yes some good ideas but I ended up losing interest after a while and skim reading it

[Rebecca Stonehill · Rating 5 out of 5]

See this review:
http://rebeccastonehill.com/childrens...

[Paloma López · Rating 4 out of 5]

Te hace pensar acerca de todo lo que se le puede enseñar a un niño en el día a día. Da buenos consejos e ideas y además es divertido.

[Naomi · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book should have been better than this. I found it tedious and couldn't finish it.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

One to read and the keep on a shelf near at hand for periodic inspiration and instruction.

[Emma Guthrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Michael Rosen and there's a lot to like in this book, though in the end I found it one to dip in and out of rather than to sit down and read end to end.

[Mazz Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of suggestions and ideas, some of which may be common sense but there's no harm in an occasional reminder. A great book to refer back to.