Raising Good Humans Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How Our Children Really Learn--and Why They Need to Play More with Professor Kathy Hirsh-Pasek
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Dec 12, 2025 In this engaging conversation, cognitive psychologist Kathy Hirsh-Pasek emphasizes the importance of play in learning. With her expertise, she challenges traditional views on early achievement, asserting that curiosity and exploration are vital for development. She discusses the 'Six Cs'—collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creativity, and confidence—that arise from play. Kathy also highlights the need for balanced tech use and how boredom can promote creativity, asserting that true learning is about joyful, meaningful experiences.
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Intelligence Comes From Exploration
- Intelligence grows when children explore and discover, not only by hitting achievement milestones.
- Early milestones or early reading do not reliably predict long-term success.
Follow What Your Child Notices
- Observe what your child is drawn to and lean into that interest to build learning.
- Let small moments (like pouring milk or block play) become teaching moments by asking and engaging.
Slug Hunts Became Biology Lessons
- Kathy recounts walking her child to school and turning over rocks to save slugs during 'nature walks.'
- That curiosity nurtured biology learning and could be amplified by leaning into the child's interest.
