Einstein Never Used Flashcards: How Our Children Really Learn--And Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less

In this book two highly credentialed child psychologists offer a compelling indictment of the growing trend toward accelerated learning. It's a message that stressed-out parents are craving to hear: Letting tots learn through play is not only okay-it's better than drilling academics!

Drawing on overwhelming scientific evidence from their own studies and the collective research results of child development experts, and addressing the key areas of development-math, reading, verbal communication, science, self-awareness, and social skills-the authors explain the process of learning from a child's point of view. They then offer parents 40 age-appropriate games for creative play. These simple, fun--yet powerful exercises work as well or better than expensive high-tech gadgets to teach a child what his ever-active, playful mind is craving to learn.

Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, Ph.D., is the H. Rodney Sharp Professor in the School of Education at the University of Delaware, where she holds a joint appointment with the departments of linguistics and psychology and directs the Infant Language Project. She has also been a recipient of the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Fellowship and is the mother of a son and a daughter.

Together, Hirsh-Pasek and Golinkoff were featured on the PBS Human Language series and are the co-authors of How Babies Talk.

Diane Eyer, Ph.D., is a member of the psychology department at Temple University and also the author of Motherguilt and Mother-Infant Bonding.

Somewhere along the line, this important book argues, we've gotten off track by stressing academic products and programs to our preschoolers. Thankfully, Hirsh-Pasek and Golinkoff have a simple remedygo playfor our children that is based on overwhelming scientific evidence from their own studies and the collective research results of child development experts.

Einstein Never Used Flash Cards goes beyond debunking the myths spread by the accelerated-learning industry. Parents, educators, and other readers will find a practical guide to introducing complex concepts through smart, simple, and loving play. For every key area of a child's development (speech, reading, math, social skills, self-awareness, and intelligence), this study aims to show how a child's mind actually learns. The book also offers useful exercises40 in allthat are meant to highlight childrens' emerging skills and while helping them prepare for tomorrow.

"Parents eager to know what to doand even more important, what not to doto help their children discover and take advantage of their hidden talents will find this well-written book a treasure trove of information and advice. A trustworthy parenting resource from two highly respected scholars!"Linda Acredolo, Ph.D., professor of psychology at the University of California, Davis, and author of Baby Signs and Baby Minds

"Although parents know that the early years are learning years, just what that means has been confusinguntil now. Einstein Never Used Flash Cards makes practical sense of the vast number of technical studies and the hyperbole of advertising claims. It explains in clear, compelling, and scientific terms how learning really takes place. This book is a must-read for parents, grandparents, teachers, caregivers, pediatricians, and policy makersin other words, all those who care about (and for) the next generation of children."Ellen Galinsky, president and cofounder of the Families and Work Institute in New York City

In this book two highly credentialed child psychologists offer a compelling indictment of the growing trend toward accelerated learning. It's a message that stressed-out parents are craving to hear: Letting tots learn through play is not only okay-it's better than drilling academics!

Drawing on overwhelming scientific evidence from their own studies and the collective research results of child development experts, and addressing the key areas of development-math, reading, verbal communication, science, self-awareness, and social skills-the authors explain the process of learning from a child's point of view. They then offer parents 40 age-appropriate games for creative play. These simple, fun--yet powerful exercises work as well or better than expensive high-tech gadgets to teach a child what his ever-active, playful mind is craving to learn.

Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, Ph.D., directs the Infant Language Project at the University of Delaware, where she holds a joint appointment with the departments of linguistics and psychology. Together, she and Dr. Hirsch-Pasek were featured on the PBS Human Language series and are the authors of How Babies Talk. She currently resides in Wilmington, Delaware

Diane Eyer, Ph.D., is a member of the psychology department at Temple University and is the author of Motherguilt and Mother-Infant Bonding. She resides in Bucks County, PA.