Books

     “All Kids Can Thrive”

Empowering Solutions for Educators of Children with Special Needs

Many teachers, educational assistants, counsellors, trauma coaches, and school administrators are searching for ways to empower students struggling with behaviour management problems, lack of self-awareness, and limited control of their emotions.

Unsolved lagging skills may result in angry outbursts, frustration, and low self-esteem in students.By applying the tools found in All Kids Can Thrive educators will be inspired and feel grateful knowing that you made a difference by enriching your students’ lives simply by allowing them to be themselves—and by being the best version of yourself.

Author Sheena Smith has been a special education assistant for over 20 years and has raised four children, including two children with special needs—one has Spina bifida and the other has Down syndrome. She knows the challenges children face daily both at home and within the educational system.

A strong advocate for meeting her children’s needs in the school environment and within the community, she has travelled and studied extensively seeking inclusive ways to help children with restricted physical mobility and intellectual disabilities to learn and thrive.

This book is the result. All Kids Can Thrive is filled with valuable information for anyone that works with children or has children with or without disabilities. Educators and parents will discover a wide variety of approaches, tools, and strategies to wholly empower each child to strive for balance within their own mind, body, and spirit.

Some of the takeaways for educators include:

All Kids Can Thrive will help you understand your key role in the future of education not just as a teacher but as a coach to guide, motivate and inspire students to achieve their own level of greatness through their skills, natural gifts, and talents. It includes numerous resource links, websites, and freebies for you to pursue further learning.

• The essential pieces of the puzzle for raising consciousness within your classroom, school, and community environment by teaching the whole child
• How to prevent burnout and overwhelm despite current circumstances—turn chaos to calm!
• How the body and brain (mind) are intricately linked on all levels physically and psychologically including emotions, decision-making processes, and wellness
• Understand why daily, regular movement is not only essential but critically important
• What the brain does under stress and how students can easily build new neural pathways
• What potential exists through the science of neuroplasticity
• How your intuition is one of your best assets when working with children
• Evidence-based interventions that embrace the whole child to lower stress, build resilience, empower students to develop self-regulation skills
• The basics of the Polyvagal theory and how understanding it can benefit your students
• The secrets to building strong, positive relationships and connections
• Proven methods to assist your students in becoming more “life ready” when they graduate

Discover how All Kids Can Thrive with the right tools and love…Love Matters Most!. Available in eBook and paperback. Amazon and Barnes & Noble

1. Readers Favorite-Gold Medal Winner -Education

Reviewed by Cassie Widjaja for Readers’ Favorite

All Kids Can Thrive by Sheena L. Smith is a comprehensive guide for those working with children or having children with or without disabilities. Educators and parents will discover various approaches, tools, and strategies to wholly empower each child to strive for balance within their mind, body, and spirit. Having been a special education assistant for over 20 years and raising four children, including two with special needs, Sheena understands fully the challenges children face daily, whether at home or within the educational system. Several takeaways for educators include how your intuition is one of your best assets when working with children and the secrets to building positive relationships and connections.

All Kids Can Thrive is an absolute lifesaver for educators and parents seeking advice on helping children reach their full potential. Sheena L. Smith identifies the main areas for development and provides practical strategies for tackling the problem. By including groundbreaking research from top individuals such as Maria del Carmen Salazar, Sheena made her book as comprehensive and informative as possible. Sheena also did an incredible job of explaining how having empathy and good personal relationships do wonders for a growing child. With smooth transitions between each section, I found myself unable to tear myself away from the book. Above all, though, I love how Sheena sees children as complete the way they are, and her vision shines through her writing. For those planning to engage with children in any way, this book will remind you of the incredible opportunity and responsibility to guide a young child into their future!

Editorial Reviews

Review

“As exemplars for teaching students about life, moral values, education, and unity consciousness you have a tremendous opportunity in your hands. I know you will enjoy this resource filled with valuable wisdom, useful tools and insights for teachers, educational assistants, and support staff alike. Thank you Sheena, for your wonderful insights for our youth.”
-Dr. Sue Morter, bestselling author of The Energy Codes

“Sheena Smith offers a powerful system for helping students live happy, thriving lives by discovering how to be self-reflective, resilient, and empowered. All Kids Can Thrive is a valuable resource to help guide your students to shine brightly in their own unique ways.”
-Marci Shimoff, #1 NY Times bestselling author and featured teacher in The Secret

“Neuroplasticity is more than a buzzword; It is a blessing to know that learning potential is endless with the application of re-patterning and brain enhancing exercises. Sheena’s book provides you with an introduction to some of the many proven and effective techniques for improving the functioning of your brain to consistently rewire your brain for lasting positive changes. Sheena has the beautiful gift of being able to see children as whole and complete, exactly the way they are which enables her to help them reach their full potential. I believe there are angels on this planet tapped to do the work Sheena naturally does in this world, and her work is very needed at this time.”
-Lisa Garr, host of The Aware Show and Being Aware, author of Becoming Aware

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Additional Reviews -Awarded 5 Star Reviews-Readers’ Favorite

Educating children is the most delicate and demanding task for a teacher. Whether they have disabilities or not, children need adequate education to unleash their full potential. This, however, is only possible if teachers themselves take care of their physical and psychological well-being before everything else. In All Kids Can Thrive, Sheena L. Smith shares her forty years of experience by providing helpful advice to anyone connected with children’s education. By presenting resources, courses, and recent studies, Smith offers a comprehensive picture and invites the development of all the mental, physical, and spiritual faculties of children.

After my graduation, I realized that something was missing in my education, especially from an emotional point of view. Therefore, I am infinitely grateful to Sheena L. Smith for bringing to our attention that children’s education, especially in our fast-changing times, must be as comprehensive as possible. All Kids Can Thrive demonstrates how important it is to take care of every aspect of children’s education and presents the most informed, clear approach I have ever found. By now, the old school model is out of date, and I am thrilled that a competent and knowledgeable person like Smith is conveying the information that children need to develop emotional skills and self-confidence, not merely study a subject. I also liked that the author emphasized how important it is for teachers to take care of themselves. Only in this way do they set the correct example for children (and children learn by example!). I recommend reading All Kids Can Thrive to both teachers and parents. It will offer an insightful analysis of the best education to give to all children.

Reviewed By Astrid Iustulin for Readers’ Favorite 5 Stars – Congratulations on your 5-star review

All Kids Can Thrive, A Holistic Education Resource for a Successful and Conscious Classroom, by Sheena L. Smith is a comprehensive guide. The titles of the various chapters give us a taste of what is to come: teach, honor, respect, inspire, value, elevate and evolve through hope. To which you can add “Judge not! Meet the needs of all students, whatever they are” What else is there to add? Teaching holistically is a need. We do not teach objects but diverse human beings with so many different requirements, skills, issues, and emotions. The author’s introduction underlining her 40-year career but also her personal life (when she gave birth to a lovely girl who had to undergo surgery less than one hour after birth) sets the tone. Then we start reading and the book does keep its promises!

All Kids Can Thrive by Sheena L. Smith is a must-read guide for teachers, teachers-to-be, and of course parents (who are teachers whether they want it or not). I could not agree more with one quote: “Love is all that matters”. How many times have I noticed that being loved and understood was what drove my students? The author’s messages are clear, logical and can only touch us and make us want to be better teachers, improve our ways and pay attention to all types of differences. She always bases everything she says on research and useful quotes. She is engaging while being perfectly efficient. This book is a treasure to keep and gift. Thank you so much! Marie-Hélène Fasquel-5.0 out of 5 stars To be treasured! Reviewed in France on July 17, 2021 Verified Purchase Originally published on Reader’s Favorite.

All Kids Can Thrive by Sheena L. Smith is a comprehensive guide for those working with children or having children with or without disabilities. Educators and parents will discover various approaches, tools, and strategies to wholly empower each child to strive for balance within their mind, body, and spirit. Having been a special education assistant for over 20 years and raising four children, including two with special needs, Sheena understands fully the challenges children face daily, whether at home or within the educational system. Several takeaways for educators include how your intuition is one of your best assets when working with children and the secrets to building positive relationships and connections.

All Kids Can Thrive is an absolute lifesaver for educators and parents seeking advice on helping children reach their full potential. Sheena L. Smith identifies the main areas for development and provides practical strategies for tackling the problem. By including groundbreaking research from top individuals such as Maria del Carmen Salazar, Sheena made her book as comprehensive and informative as possible. Sheena also did an incredible job of explaining how having empathy and good personal relationships do wonders for a growing child. With smooth transitions between each section, I found myself unable to tear myself away from the book. Above all, though, I love how Sheena sees children as complete the way they are, and her vision shines through her writing. For those planning to engage with children in any way, this book will remind you of the incredible opportunity and responsibility to guide a young child into their future!

Reviewed By Cassie Widjaja for Readers’ Favorite 5 Stars – Congratulations on your 5-star review

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All Kids Can Thrive is a guidebook written by Sheena L. Smith on smart teaching. Sheena Smith shares her secrets on maximizing a child’s learning capacity through the many tips and tricks in this concise book. This guidebook offers all that is needed in understanding the ins and outs of teaching and handling children with or without special needs. This step-by-step guide will surely empower you in your teaching abilities, conquering any problems and challenges that lie ahead as an educator, or even a homeschooling parent.

All Kids Can Thrive by Sheena L. Smith is a fantastically written guidebook in handling all types of kids, including those with special needs. During one of the summer holidays, I volunteered to teach in a special needs school, and I experienced first-hand the helplessness of not knowing what to do. I really liked how Sheena connected to me by understanding the frustration that I felt at the time. Sheena’s book has successfully addressed the intimidating and very serious issue of how to let special children grow to their fullest potential. Sheena also did a great job of laying down the nitty-gritty details of teaching efficiently and effectively, providing a deeper level of understanding within a child’s mindset, as well as showing me the best way to engage their attention and willingness to learn new things in a safe environment. All Kids Can Thrive is one of the most in-depth books on teaching that I have come across. Needless to say, I am very impressed! Reviewed By Joanne Ang for Readers’ Favorite-5 Stars – Congratulations on your 5-star review!

At once affecting and informative, All Kids Can Thrive: A Holistic Education Resource for a Successful and Conscious Classroom is a clear-eyed and wholehearted evidence-based approach to dealing with children with disabilities. Relying on a combination of theory and practice in her forty years of experience in working with children, educator and author Sheena L. Smith shares her best practices to help ensure that children emerge with a strong sense of self-worth and determination, whether or not they have disabilities. Among the key approaches highlighted in this book are strategies for raising consciousness in the classroom, preventing burnouts, methods to help students build new neural pathways, and the basics of the Polyvagal theory and how it can benefit your students. By applying the tools presented herein, you help to give children the social and emotional tools they need to work through challenges.

I rarely encounter invaluable books like All Kids Can Thrive, where useful information is provided to help children with disabilities reach their full potential. Sheena L. Smith writes with genuine passion and devotion to her chosen vocation, and her experience is not limited to the classroom, as she puts into practice what she imparts in dealing with her own children. This student-centered work, however, is not limited to empowering children, as it similarly leads you to discover that your self-care and well-being are essential pieces in the puzzle when helping young people thrive. The methods she presents will give you new ways to connect with students with a deep level of self-care to truly enjoy teaching. It’s a win-win situation. Needless to say, if you are looking for ways to help children help themselves, this book is your best companion. Reviewed By Vincent Dublado for Readers’ Favorite- 5 Stars – Congratulations on your 5-star review!

Life Simply Put: 18 Simple Words for an Abundant Life

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“Life Simply Put” an Amazon Best Seller. It is a mothers view on 18 Simple Words for an Abundant Life. It is the authors hope that through reading this book you will be inspired to dream big, laugh often and live a life full of adventure and truth. May you always give and get respect and know that you matter!

Relieve Stress – Live your best life – Be good to yourself!
This is the kind of book you may read through all at once then during different times in your life you may reread various sections to reflect on decisions and life choices for the pursuit of your happiness and well being.

“Every page is a delight to contemplate” Wayne W Dyer

“Life Simply Put” was awarded “The Trafford Publishing Gold Seal of Literary Excellence” The Gold seal was added to the front cover as well Dr. Wayne Dyers endorsement and the US Review of Books quote were added to the back cover.

Praise for Life Simply Put…

“Every page is a delight to contemplate”-Dr. Wayne Dyer-Author, Motivational Speaker

“Sheena L. Smith is a woman who clearly views the proverbial glass as half full. Her book, Life Simply Put, is a charming inspirational work that focuses on the pursuit of happiness. Here, Smith highlights 18 words whose essence she asserts, when considered in our daily lives, can ultimately translate to balance and fulfillment”- US Review of Nooks by Carol Davala Full Review: https://theusreview.com/reviews/Life-Smith.html

 “It’s beautiful in its simplicity and one that I will use to pick up and see what pages opens for me and use that as my inspiring mind-set for the day. This book would make a wonderful gift that would be treasured by the recipient” Bo Bradley, Author of Best Seller “Achieving the Dream”

This book is a beautiful expression of how people should interact/ It teaches love, respect, humanity, humility, and peace. While teaching for the individual it encourages us to share these qualities with others so that we can not only improve our lives, but the lives of others as well. Sheena teaches us to encourage positive symbiotic relationships that are mutualistic rather than parasitic. She wants us to help ourselves, while helping others. Life Simply Put teaches us how we should also embrace, love, and learn about the people or things that are different from us. Read this for yourself, for your children, for your partner. Then encourage them to do the same. This is definitely a book that needs to be read often to remind us how important it is to care more about our selves, our jobs, our phones, and all of the inconsequential things that exist. It should be shared, so that others can do the same so that Sheena’s very important message is allowed to change our world in the positive way it can, if people would really listen and learn what’s truly important in life.-J.W.

In a day and age when people are scrambling for a bit of peace of mind, being tossed to and fro and feeling like their life doesn’t belong to them, along comes a simple collection of thoughts in a book, which offers the reader a pleasant moment of escape. From the time you open this book, you perceive it’s simplicity yet thoughtful insights and the vision of a person who has embraced the best things out of life, regardless of the mountain tops or valleys that it offers. The pictures are many moments captured in the life of the author and aptly reflect the wisdom written about the 18 values that bring out the best in us all. This is not a how to book, but rather a moment of reflection that is best to be enjoyed in the comfort of your favorite place of tranquility, if you have one. If not…slow down, find one, grab a hot cup of whatever comforts you and enjoy this book. Perhaps it’s pages will help you appreciate and dwell on the good things in your own life and help shape a better outlook for you and towards those you have been blessed to know. Well done Sheena ! -Karl Z.

Life Simply Put is a lovely book that resonates with deep wisdom and understanding. I love how the author starts with a powerful quote at the beginning of each chapter and a picture that really drives home the emotional point that she is getting at. Each brief but powerful chapter in this book reminds you how to live a fuller and happier life. I can only imagine the good that would spread through the world if we all took the time to follow these principles. -Josh M.

Powerful words for a wonderful life. I loved this book from beginning to end, but my favorite was LAUGH! Over the years, the best times I have had began and ended with laughter. Sheena provides encouragement and hope to the reader, I am excited to have her autograph a copy for my mom for mothers day! Excellent, uplifting, wonderful, unique! Thanks for sharing your wisdom Sheena:) – Terry A.

The book inspires to be the best you can be with what you have. It makes you have hope and faith. -Jenat M.

Life Simply Put is an inspiring read. I found it truly captivating and enriching. I love how the author focuses on simple principles to achieve a fulfilled life.I am looking forward to the sequel. -Rose

Everyone should read this book you think your life is rough until you here or read about someone else’s, this book gave me a different look on life. It is even good for older people to read gives them encouragement. -MaryJane King

I am so delighted that I purchased this book! It was enlightening, refreshing and written from the heart. Thank you Sheena. -Lisa

Life Simply Put: 18 Simple Words for an Abundant Life by Sheena L. Smith  Publisher Trafford Publishing Review by Carol Davala 

“You are responsible for your own happiness. Make choices that will honor your spirit and bring you joy.”

Sheena L. Smith is a woman who clearly views the proverbial glass as half full. Her book, Life Simply Put, is a charming, inspirational work that focuses on the pursuit of happiness. Here, Smith highlights 18 words whose essence she asserts, when considered in our daily lives, can ultimately translate to balance and fulfillment.

In this book of life affirmations, the author’s advice and suggestions range from concepts of living life to the fullest, counting your blessings, following your instincts, living in the now, and to “Dream big!” Smith’s effort is a quick read, but more appropriately it serves as a small volume to page through slowly, revisit the word choices, and reflect on the positive life influences they enumerate. While words like faith, hope, and gratitude might be expected, more surprising is the push behind words like play, adventure, and grace that Smith emphasizes as integral elements for achieving life’s best.

Candid photographs provide visual translations, while inspirational quotes correspond with the word selections. From a golden sunrise to a fiery orange sunset, nuzzling pups to thrill-seeking skydivers, family snapshots and colorful images of world travel, each suggests a note of tranquility or exuberance. These life affirmations are creatively bolstered by Native American proverbs, literary quotes, and celebrity voices adding words for reflective thought.

While Smith’s words are simple, they are truly powerful. Readers will be challenged to consider their application in terms of positive self transformation. For those looking for further encouragement, the author kindly offers a reading list that includes several titles from Hay House, a well-known publisher of books that focus on well-being, inspiration, and personal growth

Link to review: https://theusreview.com/reviews/Life-Smith.html