Play is Learning is one of the best introductions to Joseph Chilton Pearce, one that embodies a number of his fundamental themes: ages and stages of development, the model imperative, the difference between real learning and conditioning (the behavior modification and training we call schooling) and how authentic play represents natures design for optimum learning and performance, at any age, meeting any challenge.

Learning at home without spending a dime
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I think what parents needs to do at home is to just make up their mind not to spend a dime for a while. Get a pile of rocks.

Play and what about clean-up?
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The essence of all learning is play, it’s how we learn about everything is to play with everything, then the more a child has to worry about who is going to clean up, the less they play. The less they play the less they grow in every way possible. So you have to give it some thought about what you’re going to do.

Dangers of over prescribing drugs for children
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I have a good friend who counsels young children, does a lot of work with the Suicide Prevention Program.

Mentoring – helping parents understand
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I’m the person who has to be that constant reminder that that’s what 3 year olds do. That’s what they do. Do you see what he’s doing? Whatever it is.

Mentors keep reminding parents of the basics
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A wonderful thing that I do with parents during the orientation is I say there are things that kids are going to get this year and they always kind of lean forward. What is she going to say? And the first thing I put down is lice.