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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.
"A valuable message..." — Publishers Weekly
| Acknowledgments | ix | |
| Introduction | xiii | |
| Chapter 1 | The Plight of the Modern Parent | 1 |
| Chapter 2 | Brainchild: How Babies Are Wired to Learn | 16 |
| Chapter 3 | Playing the Numbers: How Children Learn about Quantity | 38 |
| Chapter 4 | Language: The Power of Babble | 60 |
| Chapter 5 | Literacy: Reading between the Lines | 97 |
| Chapter 6 | Welcome to Lake Wobegon: The Quest to Define Intelligence | 126 |
| Chapter 7 | Who Am I? Developing a Sense of Self | 152 |
| Chapter 8 | Getting to Know You: How Children Develop Social Intelligence | 181 |
| Chapter 9 | Play: The Crucible of Learning | 205 |
| Chapter 10 | The New Formula for Exceptional Parenting | 244 |
| Notes | 269 | |
| Index | 287 |
Anonymous
Posted July 4, 2009
Actual studies and details about what children like, learn best with, etc. It also helps understand that parents don't have to buy every toy or developmental activity out there in an effort to make their child the next genius. Play is how they learn, how they figure out their world and how parents can most help their children. Enjoy!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 23, 2009
This book is a great and enlightening read for any parent who wants to know more about how their child learns- and how the value of proper play can affect it. Highly recommend. Especially if you're the "flashcard" type of parent.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted February 14, 2008
Attention Parents!! Read this book. Stop overscheduling your children and allow them to PLAY! This book was really informative and an overall easy read. I have recommended this book to many parents and they have told me it's a great book they've read regarding their children, especially pre-school aged. There is so much pressure nowadays for parents to make sure their children are already reading, writing, and speaking 3 languages by the time they are three years old! When you don't allow kids to play and explore on their own natural curiosity, the end result is kids being academically burned out by the time they're barely 10 years old!!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 11, 2006
This book is a must read for todays parents, who feel pressure to give their children every advantage academically before they even enter pre-school. After reading this book, you will be able to say no to all the videos, DVD's, flash cards, etc, that are created to make your children smarter. You will understand the studies that started this trend, and most importantly you will understand how they have been exagerated and configured by retailers to create this million dollar business.
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Posted May 16, 2011
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Overview
Now Available in Paperback!
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, ...