UD child development expert’s book honored

Prof. Roberta Golinkoff’s book is “about how children really learn, and why they should play more and memorize less.”

12:39 p.m., March 9, 2004--The New York City Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society has honored colleagues from the University of Delaware and Temple University through its Books for a Better Life program, which recognizes the authors and publishers of the best self-improvement books of the year.

UD’s Roberta Michnick Golinkoff, H. Rodney Sharp Chair in Human Services, Education and Public Policy, and Temple’s Kathy Hirsh-Pasek were honored for their work “Einstein Never Used Flash Cards,” which looks at how children learn and why they need to play more and memorize less.

The book, published by Rodale, was honored as the top book in the category of psychology and was one of just nine books overall that were recognized by the chapter.

“Books for a Better Life is a wonderful concept,” Golinkoff said. “We won in the psychology section against other books that also help people to take control of their lives. Our book helps parents get back in the driver's seat, where they belong, in respect to their children’s education.”

Golinkoff added, “We were absolutely thrilled to win because it means that our central idea resonates with people. In their hearts, people know that pressing little kids to achieve academically and memorize lots of unrelated facts is not the right way to go. To create children who love to learn, we need to help them learn through play. The judges got that message."

More than 300 entries were submitted for consideration in this year’s awards program, from which an esteemed panel of booksellers and book editors from magazines, book clubs and television programs selected 35 works.

From these finalists, the winner in each area was chosen by secret ballot by three expert judges per category.

Since the Books for A Better Life Awards program was created by publishing industry executive and longtime chapter volunteer Scott Manning in 1996, more than 180 authors have been honored.

The highly regarded event has raised more than $750,000 for the fight against multiple sclerosis, while raising awareness for both MS and for the importance of self-improvement books in everyday life.

The 2004 Books for a Better Life ceremony was held Feb. 23 at the Millennium Broadway Hotel. Meredith Vieira, star of “The View” and “Who Wants to be a Millionaire,” served as the master of ceremonies.

Article by Neil Thomas
Photo by Kathy Atkinson

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