The author of Being Visual has an interesting story. She loved art as a child, but at some point, discouraged by an adult in her life, she gave it up. She’s convinced that we all benefit from developing our visual spatial side.
Bette Fetter, Founder and CEO of Young Rembrandts, Inc., began her career as a professional artist with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Northern Illinois University. Through her education, participation in various forms of the arts and experience with Montessori education, Bette gained first-hand understanding of the value of the arts on developing young minds.
Her passion for the arts and early childhood education led Bette to develop Young Rembrandts, a unique teaching methodology focused on developing foundational art and drawing skills in young children. Now, after 23 years teaching and developing art curriculum for kids, Bette shares what her experience, clinical research and educational experts have to say about the value of arts on early learning development for children. In her book, Being Visual, Bette illustrates the value of right-brain, visual-spatial thinking and its relation to much needed innovative thinking.
I learned so much from this book. Be sure to read my related thoughts over at 5 Minutes for Mom today. I shared some of my favorite takeaways for my own family over there.
But basically if you have a child who has ADHD or just has trouble concentrating or memorizing or who loves art, you should read this book. Fetter gives enough facts to back up her premises, but not so many that it reads like a treatise instead of a book. It’s very readable and accessible. In addition to facts and tips about educating our children, some other chapters I enjoyed address
- Career paths for artists
- Using art to reach special needs children and senior citizens
- Teaching your child to draw
You can enter to win a copy of this book. Just follow the instructions in the rafflecopter below. We’ll announce a winner right here in our giveaway column on September 26.The giveaway is closed.
The listing of jobs for artist sounds interesting – there’s bound to be so much more than teacher or graphic designer.
I don’t know if I have any up and coming artists in my family, but I do think it is good to be exposed to art. This looks like a very interesting read.
I need this book or maybe my husband does more than I do. I am an artist and art educator married to a linear thinker. I have taught art for more than ten years and the stories I could share in regards to all the brain research out there that says make marks, be creative, let your inner creative light shine. Just because you don’t paint does not mean you are not creative. Thanks for the great review
Thanks for the book suggestion as it sounds like a practical one to help our kids. I love the cover!
I have a daughter with ADHD, who loves to read but struggles with some areas of school. I will definitely check this book out.
I ACTUALLY THINK I WILL BUY THIS BOOK IF I DON’T WIN IT- IT’S GOING FOR $18.95 ON AMAZON. I COULD REALLY BENEFIT FROM IT (REFER TO MY COMMENT ON YOUR “5 MINUTE’S FOR MOM” POST. THANKS FOR THE REVIEW!
The chapter about the career path for artists would be interesting as my husband is a photographer and I’m a potter, both artists.
I’m a big fan of the visual arts, though I have little talent in that area… I’d like to share this book with my son.