Early childhood educators are facing a crucial inflection point in the profession. Research shows that children need movement and play and joy to learn to their fullest potential—yet the educational system pushes worksheets and takes away time outdoors, among many other harmful and developmentally inappropriate teaching practices. Educators everywhere are tired of witnessing unrealistic expectations and impossible attempts to accelerate child development, stripping children of authentic learning—and their giggles. They are disturbed by the inequities that exist in education and want to see every child provided with the good foundation a quality early education can supply. They are fed up with the nonsense depriving children of childhood, requiring them to teach in ways that they know aren’t right!
This book challenges and inspires early childhood professionals to advocate for change in the field while giving them the research underpinnings and tools they need to take real action. It dispels the fears associated with speaking up and banishes all doubts about the need to advocate bravely and widely, proving the need to change course and providing practical and actionable steps for speaking to decision makers and convincing them to pursue change. Spark a Revolution in Early Education busts four myths—earlier is better, children learn by sitting, digital devices are important to learning, and play time is not productive time—to push for “Rae’s Revolution” and get educators everywhere to stand up for the children.
144 pages
"As an early childhood teacher educator for nearly 20 years, I have longed for a book that helps teachers unravel the myths that harm children and take on the responsibility of being an advocate. This is the book I've been searching for. Rae Pica provides a clear and succinct description of how our unrealistic beliefs and expectations have turned early education into an academic-focused training ground. She shows early childhood teachers how to be the spark to ignite a revolution that will save our profession, our children, and ourselves. This is a great book for first-year students and can serve as inspiration for experienced teachers who 'are mad as hell and not going to take it anymore'." —Denisha Jones, PhD, JD, Executive Director, Defending the Early Years, Faculty, Art of Teaching, Sarah Lawrence College
"Absolutely essential reading for every teacher, parent, policymaker and citizen who cares about childhood education. But I'd go further than that. I encourage every family to discuss the book out loud with their children, so young people can think critically about the system, and think about ways to spark a revolution to improve it. No one has captured the voice of children—and of science—better than Rae Pica in this wonderful book." —William Doyle, co-author of?Let the Children Play