Carol Kranowitz and Joye Newman had me interested before I even opened their new book, Growing an In-Sync Child. I was already familiar with the Out-of-Sync Child books, written by Kranowitz as a toolbox for helping kids with Sensory Processing Disorder. I had actually just picked up one of the resources to use with some of the consulting work I do when I was given a copy of this newer book.
The premise of the new book really struck me, and yet seemed so obvious. The work that Carol and Joye had devoted more than 70 combined years to, has been life-changing for children with SPD. But children with SPD are not the only ones who become out-of-sync. We all have our out-of-sync moments. In fact, today’s pace and culture seems often to perpetuate this out-of-sync state. As Joye and Carol question in their book, “Is it the child that is out of sync – or is it the world?”
The rough-and-tumble childhood that many of us enjoyed has been displaced in many corners by technology or litigated beyond recognition. opportunities for movement and real life experience are often being traded for computer games and seat work in the name of academic progress. But are we ignoring how children are naturally wired to develop, grow, and learn?
“Instant gratification may be possible when booting up a computer, but it is impossible when raising a child. Times may change, but the time required for a child to grow and develop never will. Human development permits no shortcuts.” (pg 5)
So Carol Kranowitz and Joye Newman applied their vast experience in the areas of education, human development, occupational therapy, and motor therapy to supply parents and caregivers with a very reader-friendly guide for giving ALL children playful opportunities to develop their bodies and minds.
Their book explains the theory within the first fifty short but compelling pages. It outlines the necessary components of development contributing to a state of being in-sync, falling into the three categories: sensory processing skills, perceptual motor skills, and visual processing skills. They discuss, with great examples, how these skills that we often take for granted are developed through experience and why they are critical for any one of us just to get through the day.
Even seat work, they point out, relies upon skills gained through these playful experiences. As they so poignantly write, it takes “years of moving to prepare the child to sit quietly at a desk.”
The bulk of the 200+ page book is devoted to playful application. It’s an organized, user-friendly resource full of in-sync activities you can do with your child with just a few minutes and some everyday objects. You’ll recognize some of the activities as fun games from your own childhood, but after reading the background, you’ll see them (and many other everyday activities) from a whole new perspective.
This book is a fantastic resource for parents, teachers, and caregivers and one of you will win a free copy this week! Just hop onto Twitter and follow Carol and Joye (@InSyncChild) and me (@NotJustCute) and then leave a comment here letting us know you’re in! I’ll select someone at random and let you know right here along with the Weekend Reads on Saturday morning.
So Get Moving!
Learn more at www.in-sync-child.com, www.joye&carol.com, Carol’s website www.out-of-sync-child.com, or Joye’s website www.kidsmovingco.com.
Both Joye and Carol will be appearing on The Coffee Klatch on Blog Talk Radio on Wednesday, April 20th!
I am so excited! I honestly didn’t know this book was out there! (although I love the out of sync child and the out of sync child has fun books) thanks so much for posting this!
I’m following you both (@imaginationsoup) and have had my eye on this book for my next month’s budget. It’d be even better to win!! 🙂
Thanks for the heads up! I just ordered it on Amazon, I can’t wait for it to get here!
Sidenote- As a tech-savvy 23 year old, I’d just like to say that I don’t understand the whole Twitter thing.
Would love to read this one!!
Following you both! (@TimeWithOurKids)
I had heard of the out of sync child from a friend. I had briefly heard of this book but only through Twitter. It was so nice to read this review and get a better idea of how it may help my family. I am now following you both! @mybusycrazylife
Thanks so much!
I’d love to win this book! I’m following both twitter feeds now (@runnerupslc). Thanks for the great blog and the giveaway!
Thank you for researching and reviewing! I agree with everything you post–so thoughtful and respectful of child development. Just great.
I would be so excited to read this book! During a parenting workshop I attended recently the (well-known) presenters gave a side note about the use of seat work in the primary grades. They encouraged parents to give their children experiences and skip the work sheets. I almost jumped out of my seat cheering! (Most parents looked slightly uncomfortable) Glad to hear all the experts are on board in terms of movement and playful opportunities. Thanks, Mandy, for bringing this book to my attention!
Sorry I’m not on Twitter but I’m excited to learn about this book. My husband and I have just decided to home school our children next year, partly because our oldest, first grade, needs more learning like you mentioned – “more playful opportunities to develop their bodies and minds”
I’m not on Twitter, but thanks for the book review! My son is currently going through evaluation for possible high functioning autism. I just started reading Out-of-Sync Child, and it’s been great so far!
I’m following both of you. @mrscathynorth
Thank you for telling more people about this book! I am following both of your tweets (@JavinsMama)! I have a young son with Autism and I love doing physical activities with him because that’s where he thrives, it where he feels comfortable! I had the pleasure of briefly meeting/hearing Carol at the Honestly Autism Day conference last year and I cannot wait to see her again this year! Thank you for what you do as well!! You help special needs parents do their jobs better!
I would love this book! I am always looking for information for consultation work. Thanks!
Sorry, I’m not on Twitter, but thanks for posting this review! I didn’t know about this book; it sounds great. My older son has autism and books like this are such an invaluable resource for parents — the whole family benefits.
wow – I have the first 2 books & absolutely LOVE them….they have been great & such eye openers for my daughter & “why the heck does she hate tags in her shirt” type issues! I didn’t even realize they had a new one out – I want it – ohhhh I wanna win it – please!!!! Great giveaway, I’m sure its an awesome book!!!
I am so excited about this book after reading this post, I’m definitely checking it out!
I am a BIG fan of Carol’s books, have both of them on my desk, and loan out to parents monthly. While reviewing my April OTPractice read the Pedia Staff booth notice for
the confrence and this is how I found out about this new book. Love to win one, but can’t wait must call and get one now. Of course winning a copy could be my parent loaner.
I just checked out the Out of Sync Child from the library to help a child in my class. I love the premise of this book that the world is making us all out of sync! I can’t wait to read it!