What happened to playful learning in preschool? -- The evidence for playful learning in preschool -- Epilogue.

In just a few years, today’s children and teens will forge careers that look nothing like those that were available to their parents or grandparents. While the U.S. economy becomes ever more information-driven, our system of education seems stuck on the idea that “content is king,” neglecting other skills that 21st century citizens sorely need. Becoming Brilliant offers solutions that parents can implement right now. Backed by the latest scientific evidence and illustrated with examples of what’s being done right in schools today, this book introduces the 6Cs—collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation, and confidence—along with ways parents can nurture their children’s development in each area.

We are robbing young children of play time to give them a head start on academic skills like reading and mathematics. Yet scientific evidence suggests that eliminating play is taking preschool education in the wrong direction. This text provides a counterargument to the rising tide of didactic instruction on preschool classrooms.

Now Available in Paperback! In Einstein Never Used Flashcards 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. 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.

This book provides an analysis of children’s play across many different cultural communities around the globe.

Noting that young children have a natural sense of what is and is not fair, this guide is intended to help teachers develop an anti-bias curriculum using children's sense of fairness to guide them toward social activism. The book provides stories of children's experiences as activists, coupled with first-person accounts of teachers' experiences and reflections. Interspersed throughout are songs for young children about fairness and activism. The chapters are: (1) "Gathering Knowledge for the Journey: Guidebooks and Road Maps," describing the anti-bias approach as a foundation for activism and eliciting reflection regarding activism readiness; (2) "Preparing the Travelers: Fostering Dispositions for Activism in Young Children," focusing on providing learning experiences that lay the foundation for activism projects; (3) "The Journey Begins: An Activism Project Emerges," discussing steps for cultivating an activism project; (4) "Travelers' Aid: Planning and Provisioning for an Activism Project," focusing on teachers' roles in guiding activism projects; (5) "Traveling Companions: Involving Families in Activism Projects," discussing how parents' values can be acknowledged and included, and presenting partnership-building strategies; (6) "The Journey Ends: Concluding an Activism Project," focusing on effective ways to end projects; and (7) "Rest Stops and Other Oases: Finding Support," providing suggestions for supporting activism with young children. The book lists approximately 150 resources and references dealing with anti-bias and diversity education for teachers, and supporting children's dispositions for activism, as well as books for children on activism and on similarities and differences. (KB)