Twenty-first-century education has arguably been shaped with learning as an afterthought. Taylor's text probes deep into how and when children learn best, trumping themes of common core that believe all students learn in the same style. Using Steiner's pedagogy that focuses on three particular phases—birth to seven, seven to fourteen, and fourteen to twenty-one—the author sparks imminent and pivotal conversations, highlighted by obesity stemming from children's' extreme overdependence on technology. The litany of outdoor activities that had become a trademark of previous generations has evolved now into "choosing virtual reality over nature."

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Steiner's theory is that learning and growth encompass life before death and preparing for life after death, a spiritual assessment that rarely makes its way into understanding the growth process in children. The author's understanding of different learning styles best conducive to learning, from movement-driven to multi-sensory learning, is exemplary. Specifically, the examination of children with special needs, ADHD, autism, and dyslexia demonstrates remarkable empathy. It provides a pathway for educators at all levels to recognize that all students are different but equal. If cultivated effectively, these "disabilities" that are nothing more than imbalances can evolve into incredible gifts.

From the start, what Taylor successfully instills in the audience is a level of trust that only increases as she portrays her familiarity with all aspects of the educational system, such as Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) meetings. At its core, this is a must-read text that represents the handing of the torch to each educator to help establish that neither learning nor assessments are uniform. It counsels removing not just physical but mental and psychological hurdles—an imperative for the child to maximize his or her potential. Taylor's text delivers unparalleled educational insight that will undoubtedly enhance progress in the classroom.

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