Shichida method

[merentha]

A colleague was asking around for opinions on the children's brain development programme known as the Shichida Method (http://www.yesphonics.com/BabyGeniusProgram.htm). She's thinking about sending her child to a local centre offering the programme, but the fees are rather high and she would like to know more about the effectiveness of the method before committing. I've googled around but couldn't find any independent studies to support it; just lots of testimonials and we know how (un)reliable they are.

Anyone with better information?

[eri]

I'm skeptical. I haven't heard of this program in particular, but it seems similar to the 'Baby Einstein' approach. Penn and Teller interviewed a few developemental experts on their show on Baby Bullsh*t who stated that children aren't capable of learning to read and do math that early (ie, before 4ish). Tell your friend to ask to meet some of these kids already in the program, and see how well it's worked for them. I would be very surprised if children younger than 2 were capable of reading. Of course, they may be capable of memorizing a few words, but that's not reading.