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
“Free to Learn” by Peter Gray is a powerful and eye-opening book. It challenges traditional ideas about education and child development. Gray believes children learn best through freedom—by playing, exploring, and following their interests.
He backs his ideas with research from psychology, anthropology, and education. The book highlights the benefits of self-directed learning and the problems with conventional schooling.
Gray’s writing is clear and engaging. He explains big ideas in a way that’s easy to understand. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, or just curious about learning, Free to Learn will make you see education in a whole new way.
“What If Everybody Understood Child Development?” by Rae Pica
“What If Everybody Understood Child Development?” by Rae Pica is a must-read for anyone who works with children. Pica shares important insights about child development in a simple, engaging way.
The book offers practical tips and real-world strategies. It helps parents, teachers, and caregivers better support the kids in their lives. Pica highlights the value of play, movement, and respecting each child’s unique needs.
Her message is clear: understanding how children grow helps us support them better. Whether you’re a new parent or a veteran teacher, this book will deepen your understanding and give you tools to help children thrive.
“Balanced and Barefoot” by Angela Hanscom
“Balanced and Barefoot” by Angela Hanscom is a must-read for parents of babies and young children. It clearly explains how children grow and develop through movement and play.
Angela J. Hanscom is a pediatric occupational therapist. She holds a master’s degree in occupational therapy and a degree in kinesiology, the study of movement. Because of her background, she brings a deep and practical understanding of child development.
Throughout the book, Hanscom shows how a child’s physical growth directly impacts their mind and ability to learn. In particular, she explains the vestibular, proprioceptive, and interoceptive senses—what they are, how they work, and why they’re essential.
As a result, readers gain a clear understanding of what children truly need to develop well. Whether you’re a new parent or simply curious, this book offers valuable tools to help children grow strong, focused, and healthy.
“Punished by Rewards” by Alfie Kohn
“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.
Links to these books on Amazon
- “Free to Learn” by Peter Gray
- “What If Everybody Understood Child Development?” by Rae Pica
- “Balanced and Barefoot” by Angela Hanscom
- “Punished by Rewards” by Alfie Kohn
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