138. Dispelling the Myths of Early Childhood Education with Rae Pica

What better way to support young kids to be happy and healthy students than to encourage them to play. Unfortunately, that’s not the way we operate in the U.S. Instead, we prioritize test scores and sitting quietly and academically-charged preschools.

 

It’s no wonder that our youth are depressed and unhappy. We’re so busy believing the myths about education and children that social media and the media feed us that we aren’t looking at the hard facts. That kids are not meant to sit quietly every day. We can’t do that as adults…why are we expecting three-year-olds to?

 

This week on the podcast, author and early childhood education consultant Rae Pica debunks four big myths about early childhood education. You can hear the passion in her voice when she shares examples from teachers she’s talked to and classrooms she’s visited.

 

This was such a refreshing conversation from someone who gets it. And I love the tips she shared to help us get active and speak out for the benefit of our kids.

About Rae Pica:

Rae Pica has served as a consultant in early childhood education for more than four decades. The author of 22 books, including her latest, Spark a Revolution in Early Education: Speaking Up for Ourselves and the Children, Rae is also a keynote speaker and online course creator. In her role as a consultant, she has been trusted by such organizations as the Sesame Street Research Department, National Head Start Association, the Chicago Children's Museum, and Nickelodeon's Blue's Clues. Rae is most proud of her fierce defense of childhood.

Jump in the Conversation: [1:36] - Rae’s mission for early childhood education [2:22] - Children are unhappy and depressed  [4:26] - Common themes that keep coming up in working with many organizations [6:12] - Teachers are required to put worksheets in front of kids rather than teach in a way that respects the kids [10:23] - Myths of early childhood education [22:06] - Turbo Time [24:40] - What people need to know about experiential learning [27:41] - Rae’s Magic Wand [29:51] - Maureen’s Takeaways Links & Resources Follow Rae on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram Spark a Revolution in Early Education: Speaking Up for Ourselves and the Children by Rae Pica Smart Moves: Why Learning is All in Your Head by Carla Hannaford U.VA. Researchers Find that Kindergarten is the New First Grade International Play Association How Finland Keeps Kids Focused Through Free Play Email Maureen Maureen’s TEDx: Changing My Mind to Change Our Schools The Education Evolution Facebook: Follow Education Evolution Twitter: Follow Education Evolution LinkedIn: Follow Education Evolution EdActive Collective Maureen’s book: Creating Micro-Schools for Colorful Mismatched Kids Micro-school feature on Good Morning America The Micro-School Coalition Facebook: The Micro-School Coalition LEADPrep