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, Let the Children Play
WOW! What a masterful, hopeful, and practical book! Spark a Revolution in Early Education is a training manual for anyone who wants to see a change in our current educational system. Rae reveals not only the constraints that have held us back but more importantly shows us the way forward. This book is packed full of valuable tips and ideas for being a champion of play for the newbie as well as the experienced advocate. You won't find a more helpful book on advocating for play. Bravo Rae!
—Sally Haughey, founder, Fairy Dust Teaching
Sign me up! In Sparking a Revolution in Early Education, Rae Pica says what so many of us feel—we have to do better for our children. Beautifully written and with a real sense of urgency, she uses science and best practices to jumpstart policy makers to go beyond fake “views” of child learning and to set an agenda that helps all families thrive. Timely and compelling, this book is an important call to action.
—Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, co-author of Einstein Never Used Flashcards, Becoming Brilliant, and Making Schools Work
