Must-Reads for Educators (and Anyone Who Cares About Children!)

Whether you are teaching one child or a large group, or if you are new to teaching or have been at it for decades, these are books you must read. And if it’s been a while since you read them, read them again. The knowledge in these books is priceless and will change the way you work with children. These books are good for first time parents, teachers, or anyone working with children. Here is my list of Must-Reads for Educators (and Anyone Who Cares About Children!)

“Free to Learn” by Peter Gray is a thought-provoking and insightful book that challenges traditional views on education and child development. Gray argues that children learn best when they are given the freedom to explore, play, and pursue their interests. Drawing on research from psychology, anthropology, and education, Gray makes a compelling case for the benefits of self-directed learning and the drawbacks of traditional schooling. His writing is engaging and accessible, making complex ideas easy to understand. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or simply interested in the nature of learning, “Free to Learn” offers a fresh perspective that will inspire you to rethink how we approach education and child rearing.

“What If Everybody Understood Child Development?” by Rae Pica is a must-read for anyone involved in the care and education of children. Pica presents a wealth of valuable information about child development in an accessible and engaging way. The book is filled with practical insights and strategies that can help parents, teachers, and caregivers better understand and support the children in their care. Pica’s emphasis on the importance of play, movement, and individual differences is particularly refreshing. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or a new parent, this book will provide you with a deeper understanding of child development and valuable tools for nurturing and supporting the children in your life.

“Balanced and Barefoot” by Angela Hanscom is a book that every parent of young children or babies should read about how children develop. Angela J. Hanscom is a pediatric occupational therapist and holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy, and an undergraduate degree in kinesiology (the study of movement) with a concentration in health fitness. She has such a vast knowledge of how a child’s body develops and how it affects their mind and their learning. After reading this book you will have a clear understanding of how the vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive senses work and what need to do to help children develop as best they can.

“Punished by Rewards” by Alfie Kohn Criticizes the system of motivating through reward, offering arguments for motivating people by working with them instead of doing things to them. The basic strategy we use for raising children, teaching students, and managing workers can be summarized in six words: Do this and you’ll get that. We dangle goodies (from candy bars to sales commissions) in front of people in much the same way we train the family pet. Drawing on a wealth of psychological research, Alfie Kohn points the way to a more successful strategy based on working with people instead of doing things to them. Do rewards motivate people? asks Kohn. Yes. They motivate people to get rewards. Seasoned with humor and familiar examples, Punished By Rewards presents an argument unsettling to hear but impossible to dismiss.