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

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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?</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">This was such a refreshing conversation from someone who</span> <em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">gets it</span></em><span style= "font-weight: 400;">. And I love the tips she shared to help us get active and speak out for the benefit of our kids.</span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">About Rae Pica:</span></h2> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">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.</span></p> <h2><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jump in the Conversation:</span></h2> <ul> <li style="font-weig