Kathy Hirsh-Pasek

This was a very good look at the way children learn...and how much of what we think is important just gets in the way of their natural learning processes. As a homeschooling mom of a 5 and 3 year old, I've already started to realize that we do too much, push too much, over-complicate things and keep them too busy. And I've certainly been guilty of most mistakes mentioned in the book. The best part of the book is whether or not you've naturally come around to the "less is more" philosophy, show more the authors present scientific studies to back their claims. So you aren't suffering through another "opinion" on parenting. show less

Takes a skills-over-content approach, but only because the authors don't seem to be very familiar with either skills-based curriculum OR knowledge-based curriculum, as currently taught in the US. The authors' recommendations are actually fairly in line with those of the Core Knowledge Foundation. It's a fairly dry read, but the explanations of different stages in cognitive development in young children, and in particular, the concrete advice on how to encourage higher-order thinking are very show more useful. A better book for skimming than nonfiction leisure reading. show less

I ordered a number of books on child educational development, and I think this one may be the best. It is written in a very accessible manner, but is also very well-documented. The writers really focus on the things that parents are concerned about, and not only give information, but also provide suggestions and activities you can do with your baby and young child.
I have found it very informative, and also very calming - I don't really agree with the competitiveness and aggressive education show more tactics that seem to be so in vogue for really young children these days. This book reassured me that it is not necessary to "work" with very young children and babies, that their natural tendencies & interests will serve them better than anything that we can try to teach them! show less

I found there were few new ideas. Education has historically relied on knowing things. In order to succeed or 'becoming brilliant' children need to be encouraged to communication, collaboration, creativity, content, confidence, and critical thinking. It lacked ideas on how to introduce these elements at home beyond things done by most parents anyway, like playing board games, enjoying sport etc. (and don't answer about chaotic and deprived parents as they are unlikely to read any book never show more mind this one) show less