Values: Lighting the Candle of Excellence

They don't make 'em like this anymore! What a simple but deep little book. Meaningful quotes, some by Marva, and some by others. I like the suggestions on how to instill values, in small but effective ways, in your children. It's encouraging and inspiring at the same time. Something I'll read over and over.

Wonderful motivational ideas. Marva is truly a great teacher who embraces timeless and realistically godly philosophy.

Having recently loved the book, MARVA COLLINS' WAY by Marva Collins and Civia Tamarkin, I was naturally excited tofind something else authored by this inspirational woman . . . in case you're not familiar with the name, she started her ownschool in Chicago and made a difference in the lives of herstudents.Her VALUES: LIGHTING THE CANDLE OF EXCELLENCE, A PRACTICAL GUIDE FOR THE FAMILY certainly did notdisappoint . . . it is a short but powerful collection of essays about how all of us--not just teachers--can help toraise good kids . . . get this valuable handbook if you'rea parent or grandparent, educator, or just plain interestedin helping children succeed in life.Among the many memorable passages:Think how many times a child will draw a picture and theparent will say, "What is it?" The very words, "What is it?"already say to your child, "Your picture is not very goodbecause I did not know what it was." Say instead, "Whata wonderful picture! Tell me about it."How often do we begin to reprimand with the word Don't."Don't do this; don't do that." Try instead, "I think you are making the wrong choice, bright one. Can you think ofa better choice?""Everybody hates me" is another statement used frequentlyby the child who has learned to become a "victim." To thisquestion you might respond, "Everybody means everyonein the whole world. This means people in China, Africa,Switzerland, and places you have never visited, so howcould these people hate you?" Encourage your child to conclude that not "everybody" hates him or her. Then say,"Let's talk about the people you think hate you right now.Can you think of anything that you may have done tomake you feel that these people hate you?"

This is a beatiful book carefully put together about a cherished topic...values within a famliy. It is a handbook for raising good kids. Our family atmosphere has changed since using such techniques as CAF (consider all factors), calling my children "My bright one", and standing firmly on the foundation of loving DISCIPLINE. You'd be crazy not to get this book!