Einstein Never Used Flash Cards

How Our Children Really Learn--and Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less

By: Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Roberta Golinkoff

Narrated by: Eliza Foss

Play Is Back

Reassuring to parents and educators, Einstein Never Used Flash Cards shows why - and how - to step away from the cult of achievement and toward a more nurturing home life full of imaginative play and love of learning.

Here's the message that stressed-out parents are craving to hear: It's okay to play!

In fact, it's more than just okay - it's better than drilling academics. After decades of research, scientists and child development experts have come to a clear conclusion: Play is the best way for our children to learn. Children who are prematurely pushed into regimented academic instruction display less creativity and enthusiasm for learning than their peers. Children who memorize isolated facts early in life show no better long-term retention than their peers. Children who learn through play also develop social and emotional skills, which are critical for long-term success.

Somewhere along the line, we've gotten off track by stressing academic products and programs to our preschoolers. Thankfully, Dr. Kathy Hirsh-Pasek and Dr. Roberta Michnick Golinkoff have a simple remedy for our children that is based on overwhelming scientific evidence from their own studies and the collective research results of child development experts.

Einstein Never Used Flash Cards goes beyond debunking the myths spread by the accelerated-learning industry. Parents and educators will find a practical guide to introducing complex concepts through smart, simple, and loving play.

For every key area of a child's development (speech, reading, math, social skills, self-awareness, and intelligence), you'll understand how a child's mind actually learns. Then you'll discover exercises (40 in all) that will showcase emerging skills and leave your child smiling today - and prepared for tomorrow.

©2003 Roberta Michnick Golinkoff and Kathy Hirsh-Pasek (P)2012 Audible, Inc.

With teen suicide on the rise maybe we should take a hint and slow down.

Education is of utmost importance to me yet I fully appreciate the viewpoints of the authors.

Their message also helps me to cool it a bit and take some stress off my kids plates. For goodness sakes, my kids are 3 & 5, I’ve been inundating their sweet little brains with my anxieties regarding intelligence.

After all, let’s look at teen suicide on the rise in our society. Maybe we should all take a hint and slow down, let kids play more. Get bored and start creating the reality of their dreams, the ones they make for themselves.

Best parenting book ever

My first and favourite parenting book, with practical advice for different ages. Totally recommend this book, especially if you’re a stressed out parent wondering if you’re doing enough for your kids!

Amazing book! parents and caregivers a must read

this is a phenomenal book! It really gets down to the fundamentals of what we need to do to help children succeed. and it's very simple, play.

Amazing book!

We need more books like this. A school that teaches the lessons in this book are Waldorf and Montessori. Look into them if you’re interested. Also books authored by Kim John Payne. Another book entitled “hunt gather parent” by doucleff and another book entitled conscious parenting by Shefali.

We need to advocate more play as we still keep in mind the importance of education. Not the other way around

Child learning

Where does Einstein Never Used Flash Cards rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Best audio book I have purchased! I needed to read this for a college class and this was the best way for me to accomplish the task with my busy schedule. I LOVE THIS BOOK

What was one of the most memorable moments of Einstein Never Used Flash Cards?

Different perspectives and
Theories explained
Easy to understand and envision

More talking about what's bad than what's good for your child

Don't get me wrong, it's a great parenting book and must read for all parents who are nervous about not providing their kids with all skills they need to compete in our fast developing world.

I knew that quality time with your child is more important than strict schedule of various group activities. So, I found myself constantly skipping the parts which persuade me of thinks that I already agree with.

If you're looking for a book with practical advise how to enrich time with your child – don't expect much from this book.

If you're looking for general direction on what to focus along your parenting journey – this is a great reading.

From someone that works with children all day long.

I loved this book. I think that the bad reviews are given by the ones that actually don’t stop to look at their children and think that accepting the theory that occupying every single available moment of their kids with an activity will give them an edge in life is done because it’s easier. You put the job of raising your children on the hands of someone else. I’m a childcare provider with a BA in Child Development. I take the raising of my children very seriously and I do that in partnership with their parents.
Thank you for giving me something to share with them.

Important premise but way too long

I've listened to a lot of parenting books for young children. And while I completely agree with the premise of this book, I found that it was way too long and filled with self-promotion. And while they certainly made an effort to mention studies, I still felt that more of the book was pontification rather than a presentation of research.

The narration was great

Eye opening guide to nurturing a 0-4yr old

A bit dry at times and in line with a university textbook, however, loaded with useful insights and implementation techniques to allow your child to grow their mind.

Thorough and insightful

A must-read for any parent! The ideas discussed and reinforced throughout this book will change the way I look at my parenting for the rest of my life! Would highly recommend to anyone who wants a science-backed, refreshing reminder of how our children learn and what is really important in this fast-paced world.