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    Tuesday, June 28, 2005

    Einstein Never Read this Book...But Maybe He Would Have

    Recently, we picked up a book titled Einstein Never Used Flashcards. It turns out to be a pretty interesting read. The subtitle sort of sums up its central philosophy: How our Children Really Learn and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less.

    I admit I'm sort of a sucker for learn through play/context ideas in general...it just makes more sense to me, considering that's how I best retain info....and much of the info put forth is review from college coursework I've done. But this book is fairly well-grounded in research and seems to address a number of questionable widely-held assumptions, such as rushing academics in early childhood, "school readiness", and the obsession with "educational toys" ( Baby Einstein, Leap Frog, etc.) .

    I've been refreshed by the author's encouragemet to simplify, relax and not buy into the "accelerated-learning industry" so easily... and that true appreciation of knowledge comes through a "more nurturing home life full of imaginative play and love of learning".

    Of course, there comes a time to incorporate memorization and more academic schooling later on in childhood, but as far as early childhood goes, I have to say I agree with the authors of this here book.

    My humble review ****

    Comprehensive and clearly written compilation of research data and tips for parents and educators of young children. A much needed light in the darkness of our society's tendency to "rush" childhood. I recommend it...food for thought if nothing else.

    2 Comments:

    Blogger Katie Harris said...

    I totally agree with this. But I will also admit that I have my fair share of baby einstein videos. I despise that name though. Anyhow, I don't have and won't buy the ones that teach you letters and numbers, eliot has the ones that play classical music and flash pictures of random things up on the screen. it puts him in a trance for 15 minutes while i get the dishes done. Reading, that's where it's at. My mom read to me, constantly. . .and I turned out pretty ok.

    6:48 AM  
    Blogger E Rica said...

    GOod point, Sara.


    I dont know if the baby einstein movies really do much for learning. It seems to be more baby entertainment. My cousin, Emma, who is only a year old loves the baby einstein movies. I teased my aunt once about how she'll become a genius. She teasingly remarked, "No, she'll just be a T.V.-aholic"

    My aunt uses the videos when she needs to clean her house and needs a free babysitter.


    But I totally agree, Sara. Attention from Mommy, Daddy, and friends is the best way for the baby to learn.

    11:36 PM  

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