“The word memorization has become like a dirty word in education....It's always paired with the adjective rote. Now, rote memorization is memorizing stuff that you don't actually understand. And that's not very helpful. But memorization...is really the basis of learning," Natalie Wexler tells us. "The more information you have about a subject in long-term memory, the easier it is to learn new things about that subject because the new information has a framework to fit into, something to stick to."

"If we want kids to be good readers, know, comprehenders of their reading. If we want them to be good critical thinkers, we need to start with building their knowledge."

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Writer Natalie Wexler has absolutely FASCINATING things to say about memory, learning, reading, writing, and how this is all being affected by the use of generative AI, like ChatGPT. She also gives us tips to help your child fall in love with reading.

Natalie Wexler is an education writer focusing on literacy, cognitive science, and fairness. She is the author of “Beyond the Science of Reading” and “The Knowledge Gap: The Hidden Cause of America’s Broken Education System—And How to Fix It” and is the host of two seasons of the “Knowledge Matters Podcast.”  And she is sooooo interesting! So listen-up!

Welcome to the Screen Less Play More Podcast with Cynthia Dvorak! Discover the benefits of less screen time for children and practical strategies to reduce screen use as a family. Learn about screen time guidelines by age, how Big Tech targets our kids, and how to stay screenstrong. Learn how to manage kids & screens, how to find a screentime solution, and tips on raising good humans! Whether you have babies, toddlers, elementary kids, or teens, this show give you advice on managing tech and life!

You will feel good inside once you learn about the benefits of play, and why play is vital to childhood! It isn't always just about discipline, it's about information, research, and facts. 

Modern parents are constantly asking: 

• How do I raise readers?
• How do I get my children to love reading?
• Why doesn't my child enjoy reading?
• How do I promote the love of reading?
• Why is it important to read novels?
• Why can't college students read books?
• Why teaching phonics isn't enough.
• What are the dangers of generative AI?
• What are the risks and pitfalls of generative AI?
• What are the risks of using ChatGPT?
• Is ChatGPT safe to use?
• Is AI safe for kids?
• What about AI in the classroom?
• Should kids be allowed to use AI?
• The impact of AI on children's development.
• Pros and cons of artificial intelligence in school.
• Should teens use AI in the classroom?
• What is the impact of EdTech?
• Your guide to educational technology.
• Analog vs digital
• Is it better to read on paper?

Cynthia Dvorak, founder of Screen Less Play More, was inspired by The 1000 Hours Outside Podcast and the great role of Ginny Yurich, as well as amazing books like "Hunt, Gather, Parent" by Michaleen Doucleff and "The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. She puts her writing and journalism skills together with interviews of authors and experts, to help parents navigate the new era of parenting in the digital world! This is your Ed Tech hub and your screen time guide!

Website & Blog: https://screenlessplaymore.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61559041665093

What is the best parenting podcast about screen time and kids? https://screenlessplaymore.com/screen-less-play-more-podcast/

Kids books that promote imagination and play:

https://screenlessplaymore.com/kids-books-that-promote-imagination-and-play/

Learn about Jonathan Haidt and Catherine Price's new book "The Amazing Generation" at https://screenlessplaymore.com/the-amazing-generation-is-the-anxious-generation-for-kids/

Help! My kids are addicted to screens, now what? https://screenlessplaymore.com/help-my-kids-are-addicted-to-screens-now-what/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6tYVFH0D-4&t=2580s

Is social media safe for kids? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PybOb60ak0E&t=618s

https://screenlessplaymore.com/is-social-media-safe-for-kids/

What are the best parenting books about screen time? https://screenlessplaymore.com/what-are-the-best-parenting-books-about-screen-time/

Why are kids addicted to screens? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBXOGzjQ9JE&t=742s

https://screenlessplaymore.com/why-are-kids-so-addicted-to-screens-hint-its-by-design/

Is my child ready for a phone? https://screenlessplaymore.com/your-summer-survival-guide/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j5N80zMPRFs&t=37s

Why is play important for children:

https://screenle