I Am Smart: A Guide To Recognizing And Developing Your Child’s Natural Strengths

DAWNA MARKOVA Ph. D. and ANGIE MCARTHUR are striving to revolutionize the way parents approach their children’s education. A leading educator and psychologist, Dr. Markova noticed in her decades of work that parents tend to focus on correcting their children’s weaknesses. But in this groundbreaking book based on the world-renowned SmartWired program that she co-founded with Angie, Dawna demonstrates a more effective strategy that centers on building a child’s strengths. This approach not only helps children discover their passion and purpose in life but also instills in them a strong sense of self-worth — which in turn makes them highly motivated to learn. In Dawna’s years as a teacher and with their work with SmartWired, Dawna and Angie came to understand that by recognizing and devel¬oping children’s unique assets, parents can help them succeed not just in school but in life. They cite compelling anecdotes across all age groups and reveal practical strategies: the essential principles of the SmartWired approach to learning, the three kinds of attention the human brain uses, and the five categories of children’s assets. Instead of focusing on what a child can’t do, this book helps recognize and utilize all the ways a child is naturally brilliant. Along the way, you will discover how to: • identify and support your child’s hidden talents • help your child make sound decisions with confidence • communicate on the same wavelength with your child for better mutual understanding • nurture your child’s assets in partnerships with schools, mentors, coaches, and other resources.

DR. DAWNA MARKOVA, PH.D. This is the third book, Dawna has co-authored with Angie. Their other two books, Collaborative Intelligence: Thinking with People Who Think Differently and Relational Intelligence are being published by Random House in August 2015 and 2016 respectively. An internationally-known author and expert in the fields of learning, perception, and asset-focus, Dawna has written several books, including A Spot of Grace, I Will Not Die an Unlived Life, The Smart Parenting Revolution, The Open Mind, No Enemies Within, How Your Child IS Smart, and Learning Unlimited. A passionate advocate for education reform, Dawna has established learning communities around the world-working with leaders, teachers, and parents. As one of the founders of SmartWired, she serves as a thinking partner to CEOs and senior executives around the world. A renowned public speaker, she has been the keynote at several global conferences. Dawna lives in Hawaii with her husband Andy, dogs Hula and Mobi, and cat Ninja. ANGIE MCARTHUR Since 1998, Angie has traveled the world to work with children, their parents, teachers, and mentors in creating rich learning environments that bring out a child's best. The author and strategic designer of the SmartWired Activity set and training, her custom interactive programs and workshops have been translated into multiple languages and impacted thousands of children around the world. As a senior partner for SmartWired's affiliate Professional Thinking Partners, Angie has co-facilitated and designed global conferences, keynote speeches, leadership retreats, training programs, and ongoing for organizations from non-profits to Fortune 500s. With the belief that every child has unique gifts, strengths, and potential, Angie is passionate about sharing SmartWired's research and philosophy. She lives with her beloved partner and husband, Dave, and their dog Tele in Park City, Utah.