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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Importance of Being Little summary
Erika Christakis
What Preschoolers Really Need From Grown-Ups
13 mins
Brief summary
The Importance of Being Little by Erika Christakis argues that current trends in early education hinder children's natural ability to learn. She emphasizes the importance of play, curiosity, and exploration to help children develop into lifelong learners.
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The Importance of Being Little
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Key idea 1 of 6
Modern preschools aren’t suited for the natural skills and curiosity of children.
If you could walk through the door of a preschool 50 years ago, you’d probably see kids having fun and playing around. But today, you’d be greeted with young children, rigorously studying math and grammar.
So, what has changed?
Simply put, the style of teaching has shifted dramatically. These days, preschools are all about strict uniformity at the expense of real learning. In fact, preschools in the United States operate according to the Common Core State Standards, or CCSS, a state-mandated set of goals for all subjects.
For instance, the CCSS says that kindergarteners should be able to “demonstrate command of conventions of standard English grammar.” In other words, all preschoolers have to work toward this goal, instead of focusing on the actual process of learning.
The problem is that this one-size-fits-all approach to education means that kids don’t receive enough attention for their individual needs and capabilities. After all, education that operates according to such strict guidelines denies students the opportunity to learn on their own terms, and with the help of a teacher who can recognize their individual talents and learning styles. It also creates clear distinctions between who does well and who doesn’t.
But if it works so poorly, why is this system still in place?
The strict curriculum that shapes American preschools is, in fact, the result of social and political changes. For instance, before the 1980s, preschool was relatively uncommon; but as women began entering the workforce in greater numbers, preschools rose in popularity. Initially, they functioned as a form of daycare rather than the rigorous learning environment that characterizes them today.
However, as inequality spiked over the ensuing 30 years, so did the gap in educational achievement between the rich and poor. The result was the No Child Left Behind legislation of the early 2000s.
This law was an attempt to close the achievement gap in society by standardizing education. To do so, it implemented a strict, universal curriculum designed to arm every preschooler with the same skills.
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What is The Importance of Being Little about?
The Importance of Being LIttle (2016) is all about the powerful and curious minds of children, and the way our current preschool educational standards of testing and standardized worksheets limit their natural skills. These blinks explain why a focus on the personal development of each child is a much better strategy.
The Importance of Being Little Review
The Importance of Being Little (2016) offers invaluable insights into the world of young children and why we should pay attention to their unique needs. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- It challenges prevailing assumptions about early childhood education, providing a fresh perspective that encourages reflection and change.
- With its well-researched arguments and real-life examples, the book offers a compelling case for prioritizing play, exploration, and empathy in early education.
- By examining the importance of relationships and social interactions in a child's development, the book reminds us of the significance of human connection in early learning.
Best quote from The Importance of Being Little
We are smothering young children with attention and resources, and yet, somehow we are not giving them what they really need.
—Erika Christakis
Who should read The Importance of Being Little?
- Parents curious about alternatives to the current American preschool system
- Anyone interested in early childhood development and education
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The Importance of Being Little FAQs
What is the main message of The Importance of Being Little?
The main message of The Importance of Being Little is the importance of prioritizing play and exploration in early childhood education.
How long does it take to read The Importance of Being Little?
The reading time for The Importance of Being Little varies depending on the reader's speed. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Importance of Being Little a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Importance of Being Little is a valuable read. It challenges traditional approaches to early childhood education and offers insights for parents, educators, and anyone interested in child development.
Who is the author of The Importance of Being Little?
The author of The Importance of Being Little is Erika Christakis.
What to read after The Importance of Being Little?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Importance of Being Little, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- How to Raise a Wild Child by Scott D. Sampson
- The Call of the Wild and Free by Ainsley Arment
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- The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt
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- Gravitas by Caroline Goyder
- Managing Up by Melody Wilding
- Raising Critical Thinkers by Julie Bogart
- The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did) by Philippa Perry
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