In cooperative learning, you have a purposeful, meaningful, and authentic context in which children can sharpen their communicative skills.

As you consider whether to move a child into formal academic training, remember that we want our children to do more than just learn how to read and write; we want them to learn in such a way that they become lifelong readers and writers. If we push our children to start learning these skills too far ahead of their own spontaneous interest and their capacity, we may sacrifice the long-range goal of having them enjoy such pursuits.

Communicative skills develop when there's something meaningful for children to communicate about-when they are taking an active role.

Science is a particular way of thinking about things.

We are doing earlier and earlier to children what we shouldn't do later.

When children are truly involved in the scientific process they gain understanding, knowledge, and life skills. They deepen their awareness of what's going on around them and how others contribute to their well-being.

Learning to deal with setbacks, and maintaining the persistence and optimism necessary for childhood's long road to mastery are the real foundations of lasting self-esteem.