Childhood Quote by David Elkind
“Learning to read and write makes little sense if you don't understand what you're reading and writing about. While we may have forgotten, most of our early learning came not from being explicitly taught but from experiencing. Kids aren't born knowing hard and soft, sweet and sour, red and green. When the child experiences those things, s/he transforms them into psychological understandings. When kids play with other kids, they learn about others and about themselves. Learning the basics of our physical and social reality is what early childhood is all about.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Power of Play, David Elkind, 2007
Understanding content is essential; reading and writing without comprehension is meaningless, and children learn through experience, not just instruction.
In simple terms: Reading without understanding is pointless; kids learn by experiencing.
Key Takeaway
Focus on comprehension before skill.
Themes
education
development
experience
learning
comprehension
Mood
reflective
instructive
Type
educational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- early childhood education
- reading instruction
- parental guidance
- play-based learning
Key Concepts
constructivist theory
psychological development
social learning
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we ensure comprehension in early literacy?
- What role does play have in learning?
A Different Perspective
Learning alone may not guarantee deep understanding without guidance.
