"A writer needs wide latitude so she can bring all her intelligence to the task," Ralph observes. "Assigning a particular format -- a hamburger essay, for instance -- would curtail this play, if not eliminate it entirely." That's why, instead of teacher-driven assignments, Joy Write shares the whys and the how of giving students time and autonomy for the playful, low-stakes writing that leads to surprising, high-level growth. First Ralph makes the case for carving out classroom time for low-stakes writing, despite pressure to focus on persuasive essays and test prep. Then he shares five big ideas for choice-driven, authentic, informal writing -- deeply engaging work that kids want to do. He also provides numerous suggestions for helping students build and flex their writing muscles, increase their stamina, and develop passion for expressing themselves with the written word. -- Provided by publisher.

This book asserts Joy as one of the most important building blocks of every child’s development and wellbeing. Using the latest research in neuroscience and biochemistry this book will demonstrate how critical simple moments of joy can be for children and the role of the adult in supporting joy through compassion.

Thousands of books have examined the effects of parents on their children. In All Joy and No Fun, award-winning journalist Jennifer Senior now asks: what are the effects of children on their parents? In All Joy and No Fun, award-winning journalist Jennifer Senior tries to tackle this question, isolating and analyzing the many ways in which children reshape their parents' lives, whether it's their marriages, their jobs, their habits, their hobbies, their friendships, or their internal senses of self. She argues that changes in the last half century have radically altered the roles of today's mothers and fathers, making their mandates at once more complex and far less clear. Recruiting from a wide variety of sources—in history, sociology, economics, psychology, philosophy, and anthropology—she dissects both the timeless strains of parenting and the ones that are brand new, and then brings her research to life in the homes of ordinary parents around the country. The result is an unforgettable series of family portraits, starting with parents of young children and progressing to parents of teens. Through lively and accessible storytelling, Senior follows these mothers and fathers as they wrestle with some of parenthood's deepest vexations—and luxuriate in some of its finest rewards. Meticulously researched yet imbued with emotional intelligence, All Joy and No Fun makes us reconsider some of our culture's most basic beliefs about parenthood, all while illuminating the profound ways children deepen and add purpose to our lives. By focusing on parenthood, rather than parenting, the book is original and essential reading for mothers and fathers of today—and tomorrow.

From the bestselling author of Jesus Calling® Embrace the true meaning of Joy with the young believers in your life in Sarah Young’s newest 365-day devotional, Jesus Always: 365 Devotions for Kids. In Sarah Young’s newest 365-day devotional for kids, Jesus Always: 365 Devotions for Kids, she focuses on the biblical teaching of the joy we can experience at any time and in all circumstances. With Scripture and new personal reflections, the #1 bestselling author brings Jesus’ message of joy—for today and every day—to children. Adapted from the bestselling Jesus Always, each day’s devotion has the same theme as the adult version, as well as written-out Scriptures. It is a great choice for families to read and discuss during devotional time together. Written as if Jesus Himself is speaking directly to the reader, Jesus Always: 365 Devotions for Kids will engage your children and help them find lifelong true contentment and joy. Reaching out with joy-filled reminders from the Word of God, these devotions will intimately and gently connect your children with Jesus—the One who meets you where you are. Help your children draw near to Him in Jesus Always: 365 Devotions for Kids.

Awarded the 2016 Nautilus Gold Medal for Parenting and Family! Spirit Rock founder, author, and teacher James Baraz’s Awakening Joy offers his large and devoted readership a program to gain contentment and happiness by cultivating the seeds of joy within. Here he joins with Michele Lilyanna, a classroom teacher for 25 years, to offer caregivers and children ways to find joy in each day together. This unique offering nourishes both adults and kids. James shares the practices for the adults—parents, caregivers, and teachers. Michele offers her own experiences as a parent and as a teacher, showing how the themes work with kids, followed by the tried and true lessons that she's used herself in the classroom and at home. Packed with practices and activities that James and Michele have gathered over their many years of working with thousands of adults and children in retreats, workshops, and the classroom, Awakening Joy for Kids is imbued with compassion and delight. Part of Parallax Press' growing curriculum for parents and educators designed to cultivate joy and mindfulness in children.

The single greatest lesson parents teach their kids isn't anything they say--it's what they do. And while most parents would say they want to raise compassionate kids, they might be surprised to discover just how little they're actually modeling the behaviors they hope to pass on--qualities such as unconditional love, gentleness, forgiveness, patience, gratitude, humility, and more. In this unique book, Sami Cone shows parents a new way to look at molding their children, one in which focusing on adding good behaviors and attitudes is more powerful than eliminating bad ones. Grounding her advice in Scripture--specifically the twelve characteristics found in Colossians 3:12-17--Cone offers plenty of stories from her own life to show these principles in action. And she offers practical things parents can do right now to create a home and family that exhibits love, harmony, and generosity of spirit in a self-centered world.

“Every day is joyful. Every day is a gift. Every day I can thank God from the bottom of my heart.” Kelly Mantoan wasn’t always able to say these words. As a mother of five children, two with profound disabilities, all her energy and attention was focused on her children’s diagnoses and round the clock care. Drained and struggling, Kelly wondered if she had what it took to be the kind of parent they needed. She craved support as a Catholic mother with special-needs children, but felt lost and alone when she tried to rely on secular support groups or well-meaning friends and family who had no experience in the special-needs community. If you can relate to Kelly’s story, Better Than OK: Finding Joy with Special- Needs Children is the hope-filled book you need today. In her down-to-earth way, Kelly shares the steps parents need to take to shift their focus away from the negatives of a diagnosis and towards acceptance, renewed faith, and joy. This book is a must-read for special-needs parents, but I would recommend it to any parent who needs a dose of wisdom and encouragement. — Jen Fulwiler, bestselling author and standup comic Sometimes special-needs parents need practical tips. Sometimes we need prayers. And sometimes we just need to know that we're not alone. ... This engaging new book is a true gift to the parents of kids with special needs. — Bonnie L. Engstrom, mom of eight and author of 61 Minutes to a Miracle This book is a gem for all special-needs parents, by turns funny, poignant, and always honest. It's the book I wish my parents could've had when I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in the 90s. — Emily M. DeArdo, author of Living Memento Mori: My Journey Along the Way of the Cross A truly important book for Catholic parents of special-needs children, and for family members, friends, and members of parish communities who want to better understand and more effectively support them. — Kendra Tierney, author of The Catholic All Year Compendium ABOUT THE AUTHOR Kelly Mantoan is the founder of Accepting the Gift, an online apostolate that provides resources and support to Catholic special-needs parents. She also blogs at This Ain’t the Lyceum about homeschooling, special-needs parenting, and Catholic family life. She enjoys creating useful posts and resources for her followers and speaking to groups about how God’s plan for our lives is often much better than anything we can imagine.