Understand the connection between how kids grow and how they learn  Rae Pica knows what she’s talking about. With over 35 years in the field of education, she’s realized that what’s missing from our approach to schooling is an understanding of the connection between how children develop and how they learn. In this collection, Pica keeps children front and center as she provides thought-provoking commentary and actionable insights on topics such as the Common Core, the self-esteem movement, and standardized testing. You’ll find 29 short essays on topics critical to best practice in child development and education Opinions of experts supported by research and anecdotal evidence Real-life stories shared by teachers and parents References to related articles and interviews with experts  With its unflinching look at well-meaning initiatives that may be holding students back, this pocket-sized powerhouse of educational philosophy is sure to inspire discussion about our schools.  "What a pleasure to read common sense wisdom about what young children need!" Diane Ravitch, Research Professor of Education New York University "This amazing book does far more than chase down the myths about how to ensure that children are successful. If offers real, research-backed practical strategies every teacher and parent can use. It belongs on every desk for quick and handy use!" Eric Jensen, Director Jensen Learning, Maunaloa, HI "Rae Pica has a deep understanding of childhood development and she has delved into every facet of it so that educators, parents, and policymakers will come to that understanding, too. This book needs to not just be on everyone’s shelves, but open in everyone’s hands." Peter DeWitt, Author/Consultant and Former K-5 Principal

Table of Contents:
Preface Acknowledgments About the Author Introduction Part I. Understanding Children 1. All Children Are Not the Same 2. The Earlier the Better? 3. The Power of Joy 4. Bubble Wrapping Not Required 5. When Did a Hug Become a Bad Thing? 6. Teaching Girls They’re More Than a Pretty Face 7. Doing Away With the “Baby Stuff” 8. “But Competition Is Human Nature” 9. Terrorist Tots? Part II. Understanding the Mind/Body Connection 10. The Myth of the Brain/Body Dichotomy 11. Why Does Sitting Still Equal Learning? 12. In Defense of Active Learning 13. “Play” Is Not a Four-Letter Word 14. The Body Matters, Too 15. Reading, Writing, ’Rithmetic . . . and Recess 16. Why Kids Need “Gym” Part III. Understanding Developmentally Appropriate Practice 17. In Defense of Authentic Learning 18. Who Should Lead the Learning? 19. The Trouble With Testing 20. Failure Is an Option 21. Should We Teach Handwriting in the Digital Age? 22. Just Say “No” to Keyboarding in Kindergarten 23. iPads or Play-Doh? 24. The Homework Debate 25. In Defense of the Arts 26. No More “Good Job!” 27. Bribes and Threats Work, But . . . 28. Time to Give Time-Out a Time-Out 29. “You’re Outta Here!”