What If Everybody Understood Child Development?: Straight Talk About Bettering Education and Children′s Lives

A friend of mine recommended this book highly and I agree with him...EVERY teacher, parent, and early childhood educator should own a copy of this book. The chapters are short, and very specific. My favorite part of the book is the action plan at the end of each chapter. Specific steps and ideas to incorporate what the chapter has covered. I can't recommend this book too highly. It's also easy for busy people to carry and read on the go. I've been reading it while waiting for doctor's appointments etc. The chapters are just a few pages, so it's perfect for me to read as I can.

Have not read the whole book...but as an Early Childhood educator for 40 + years...I often would ask myself this...referring to the title of this book! Perhaps we would be better in understanding and talking to children. This would change many unnecessary dialogues...actions...on the part of adult , parent, teacher and of course that of a child. This book is a very necessary read when interacting with children...and all mankind!

This is an outstanding book! Parents, grandparents and caregivers benefit greatly from these timely, topical essays. Rae Pica, an amazing author shares insights and common sense strategies in child development. Childhood is a precious time! Pica's book contains 29 brief chapters in an easy-to-read and understand format including ideas for teachers, and where parents can find additional information. This insightful book makes the point children do not learn in the same ways. In fact, all kids learn best differently! Pica tackles homework, testing, reading, play, authentic learning and movement. In fact, the book makes the joy of learning, focus of her work. It just doesn't get better than that.

This book should be required reading for every educator, parent, and legislator (or any education policy maker)! It is an incredible, succinct piece of work that is easy to read and research based. Great examples are given and ideas as to what to do next are given for the educators facing the daily challenge of education at the moment. We are in a crisis and if it was required reading, maybe we could move past it and do what is best for children! Thank you for writing this!

One of the BEST and most succinct resources for teachers who are on the front lines rallying against the harmful practices happening in education today!! An advocate's handbook of thoroughly researched short essays in layman's language, with more resources and actions to take at the end of each piece. I wish this book could be in the hands of every teacher, administrator, parent, and, especially, every legislator who is involved in policy making for education. This is a very powerful work that can help those struggling to do what's right for young children articulate their beliefs and back them with sound research and, ultimately, change their practice for the better.