A Professor of Psychology at Temple University and a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution, Hirsh-Pasek was declared a “scientific entrepreneur” by the American Association of Psychology. Writing 15 books and 250+ publications, her Einstein Never Used Flashcards won the Book for a Better Life Award in 2003 with her Becoming Brilliant (2016) reaching the NYTimes Best Sellers List in education. Co-founder of the global Learning Science Exchange Fellowship, she brings together scientists, journalists, policy makers and entertainers, to put learning science in the hands of educators. Her newest initiative Playful Learning Landscapes re-imagines cities and public squares as places with science infused designs that enhance academic and social opportunities. Her book Making Schools Work: Bringing the Science of Learning to Joyful Classroom Practice (2022) was co-written by teachers, school administrators, and scientists to bring about joyful teaching and deeper learning. An updated edition of her award-winning book, Einstein Never Used Flashcards, was released on January 20, 2026.
“In ‘Toy Story 5,’ Tech ‘Invades’ Playtime. It Also Threatens Human Connection.” – The 74, June 26, 2026
“In one of the opening scenes of “Toy Story 5,” Jessie — a cowgirl doll — tries to find out why the twins who live across the street never want to play with her owner Bonnie. What she finds, when she peers through the window of the neighbor’s home, is the two young children on a couch totally absorbed in their tablets, ignoring each other and oblivious to everything around them.” READ MORE…
“What Students Lose When Recess Is Squeezed Out of the Schedule” – EdWeek, June 23, 2026
“While more than 100 years of research support the importance of recess for students, the fact remains that many schools do not have a restorative break in their daily schedule. Earlier this year, the American Academy of Pediatrics released new guidance on recess titled “The Crucial Role of Recess in School,” the group’s first update to its recess recommendations in nearly 13 years.” READ MORE…
“‘Toy Story 5’ and the great debate over AI’s threat to childhood” – New York Post Op Ed, June 15, 2026
“Ari was not just a stuffed polar bear. He was the constant companion to Kathy’s grandson Julian — sitting with him at restaurants, traveling by his side on family trips and occupying a special spot in the 4-year-old’s bedtime ritual. Until the day Julian accidentally left Ari behind at Kathy’s house. To keep Ari “alive” until we could return him, we sent Julian photos of Ari’s “new adventures” — taking tennis lessons, making cookies and tagging along on daily errands. Stuffed animals are platforms for imagination.” READ MORE…
Updated Edition of Einstein Never Used Flashcards now OUT!
An updated edition of Kathy’s award-winning book, Einstein Never Used Flashcards, has been released on January 20, 2026! Winner of Best Psychology Book and the Books for a Better Life Award, the book has been widely praised by leading experts in psychology and education.
This new edition features an all-new chapter on screen time, thoughtfully addressing the challenges of raising children in today’s digital and AI-driven world. Kathy and Roberta continue to bring joy, clarity, and confidence back to parenting—helping families nurture smart, social, and happy children while navigating modern technology with intention.
The latest tweets on Science & Learning
A fabulous overview article by our very own @blhassinger who shows the collective power of Playful Learning Landscapes! #playfullearning @playfullearng @JournalUrbanism
AI is an exquisitely good synthesizer but not an exquisitely good thinker. Thank you @Makai Allbert for this article.
We are so excited to launch in Santa Ana! @UCIrvine @playfullearng @Bustamante_AS #PlayfulLearningLandscapes
Kathy's work appears in news publications around the world.
Check out some of the latest...
“In ‘Toy Story 5,’ Tech ‘Invades’ Playtime. It Also Threatens Human Connection.” – The 74, June 26, 2026
“In one of the opening scenes of “Toy Story 5,” Jessie — a cowgirl doll — tries to find out why the twins who live across the street never want to play with her owner Bonnie. What she finds, when she peers through the window of the neighbor’s home, is the two young children on […]
Read full story >
“What Students Lose When Recess Is Squeezed Out of the Schedule” – EdWeek, June 23, 2026
“While more than 100 years of research support the importance of recess for students, the fact remains that many schools do not have a restorative break in their daily schedule. Earlier this year, the American Academy of Pediatrics released new guidance on recess titled “The Crucial Role of Recess in School,” the group’s first update […]
Read full story >
“‘Toy Story 5’ and the great debate over AI’s threat to childhood” – New York Post Op Ed, June 15, 2026
“Ari was not just a stuffed polar bear. He was the constant companion to Kathy’s grandson Julian — sitting with him at restaurants, traveling by his side on family trips and occupying a special spot in the 4-year-old’s bedtime ritual. Until the day Julian accidentally left Ari behind at Kathy’s house. To keep Ari “alive” […]
Read full story >
Some of Kathy's books include:
Einstein Never Used Flash Cards, Revised EditionHow Our Children Really Learn--And Why They Need to Play More and Memorize Less
Making Schools WorkBringing the Science of Learning to Joyful Classroom Practice
User’s Manual for the Quick Interactive Language Screener™: English–Spanish (QUILS™: ES)A Measure of Vocabulary, Syntax, and Language Acquisition Skills in Young Bilingual Children
User’s Manual for the Quick Interactive Language Screener™ (QUILS™)A measure of Vocabulary, Syntax, and Language Acquisition Skills in Young Children
Becoming Brilliant:What Science Tells Us About Raising Successful Children
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Kathy is a Senior Fellow at the Brookings Institution, where she contributes articles to her Blog on a regular basis.