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Smart but Scattered summary
Brief summary
Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson is a practical guide for parents to help their children develop executive skills and overcome challenges in organization, time management, and impulse control.
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Table of Contents
Smart but Scattered
Summary of key ideas
Understanding Executive Skills
In Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson, the authors delve into the world of executive skills. They start by explaining that these skills are the brain-based abilities that help us manage life tasks. These include organization, time management, and the ability to control impulses and emotions. They also stress that these skills are not fixed, but can be developed over time.
The authors then introduce us to a variety of children who are “smart but scattered.” These are kids who may have a high IQ and great potential, but they struggle with tasks like getting ready for school, completing their homework, or controlling their emotions.
Identifying Executive Skill Deficits
Next, Smart but Scattered focuses on how to identify the specific executive skill deficits in a child. For instance, a child who has trouble getting ready for school may have issues with task initiation, while a child who has difficulty with homework may have problems with sustained attention or working memory.
The authors provide a range of questionnaires and checklists to help parents and educators identify which executive skills a child may be struggling with. They emphasize the importance of understanding the root cause of a child’s challenges, as this will guide the development of appropriate interventions.
Developing Executive Skills
After identifying the specific executive skill deficits, the book moves on to the heart of the matter: how to develop these skills in children. The authors provide a comprehensive plan for addressing each skill area, such as organization, time management, and task initiation.
They offer various strategies and activities that can be used at home and at school to improve these skills. For instance, to address organization, they suggest creating a designated homework area and teaching children how to use planners and checklists. To improve time management, they recommend using visual timers and teaching kids how to break tasks into smaller, manageable parts.
Implementing Interventions
Furthermore, Smart but Scattered provides guidance on how to implement these interventions effectively. The authors stress the importance of consistency and patience, as developing executive skills is a gradual process. They also emphasize the need for collaboration between parents and educators to ensure that interventions are consistently applied across different settings.
Additionally, the book discusses how to deal with resistance from children who may be reluctant to change their habits. The authors provide tips on how to motivate and support these children as they work on developing their executive skills.
Supporting Your Child
Throughout the book, the authors emphasize the importance of supporting, not criticizing, children who are struggling with executive skills. They stress that these children are not lazy or unmotivated, but rather need help in developing these crucial abilities.
In conclusion, Smart but Scattered offers a comprehensive and practical guide for parents and educators on how to identify and address executive skill deficits in children. By understanding and developing these skills, we can help our “smart but scattered” kids reach their full potential and succeed in school and beyond.
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What is Smart but Scattered about?
Smart but Scattered by Peg Dawson provides valuable insights and practical strategies for parents to help their children develop executive skills. The book offers a comprehensive approach to understanding and addressing issues related to organization, time management, and self-control. It is a must-read for parents looking to support their child's cognitive and emotional development.
Smart but Scattered Review
Smart but Scattered (2009) by Peg Dawson is a valuable resource for anyone looking to understand and support individuals with executive functioning challenges. Here's why this book stands out:
- Provides practical strategies and tools to help individuals improve executive function skills and achieve success in daily life.
- Offers insightful assessments and case studies to deepen understanding of executive function deficits and how to address them.
- With its accessible language and empathetic approach, it makes the topic engaging and applicable to a wide range of readers.
Who should read Smart but Scattered?
Parents and caregivers of children who struggle with executive functioning skills
Educators and professionals working with students who have organizational and time management difficulties
Individuals looking for practical strategies to help themselves or others improve their ability to plan, prioritize, and stay focused
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Smart but Scattered FAQs
What is the main message of Smart but Scattered?
The main message of Smart but Scattered is to help individuals with executive function challenges thrive.
How long does it take to read Smart but Scattered?
To read Smart but Scattered takes a few hours, while the Blinkist summary can be read in around 15 minutes.
Is Smart but Scattered a good book? Is it worth reading?
Smart but Scattered is worth reading for its practical strategies and empowering approach to managing cognitive challenges.
Who is the author of Smart but Scattered?
The author of Smart but Scattered is Peg Dawson.
What to read after Smart but Scattered?
If you're wondering what to read next after Smart but Scattered, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell
- Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- The Now Habit by Neil Fiore
- Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susann Jeffers
- Blink by Malcolm Gladwell
- Incognito by David Eagleman
- Quiet by Susan Cain
- Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
- Happiness by Richard Layard
- Influence by Robert B. Cialdini