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

"A smashingly good book."--Edward Zigler, Ph.D., director, Yale's Center in Child Development and Social Policy, and the "father" of Head Start programs

In Einstein Never Used Flash Cards, highly credentialed child psychologists, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Ph.D., and Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, Ph.D., with Diane Eyer, Ph.D., offer a compelling indictment of the growing trend toward accelerated learning and the cult of achievement that pressures parents to help their children to get ahead. It's a message that stressed-out parents are craving to hear: Letting tots learn through unstructured play is not only okay--it's a better way for children to learn than drilling academics.

Drawing on overwhelming scientific evidence from their own studies and the collective research results of child development experts, Kathy, Roberta, and Diane explain the process of learning from a child's point of view, addressing how play helps boost learning in key areas of development such as math, reading, verbal communication, science, self-awareness, and social skills. To help parents foster creative play, they offer forty age-appropriate games. These simple, fun--yet powerful--exercises work as well or better than expensive enrichment programs and high-tech educational toys to teach children what their ever-active, curious minds are excited to learn.

Packed with insights from fascinating studies and thoughtful advice, Einstein Never Used Flash Cards reassures and empowers parents with knowledge that helps their children grow and thrive.