Hello – I’m a cognitive scientist who studies how children learn, but my most important research happens at home—with my own two children, Juliette and Max. My work isn’t about theoretical abstractions, but about understanding the real, messy process of how kids actually learn to read and engage with knowledge.
My Learning Laboratory
Growing up in California and later establishing my life in France, I’ve seen education from multiple angles. But my most profound insights came from watching my own children learn.
The Research Behind the Reality
At the Collège de France, I work with Prof. Stanislas Dehaene, studying how children learn in school. But this isn’t just academic work. Every research paper, every study is a potential tool to help real children overcome learning challenges.
Our research reveals a simple but powerful truth: learning in school takes effort. It’s a complex cognitive process that requires specific, structured teaching. This isn’t about magical solutions, but about understanding the mechanics of learning.
Practical Tools, Real Impact
Through Excello, I transform research into actionable strategies. My book, Learn & Play, isn’t a theoretical treatise—it’s a practical guide born from real-world teaching experiences. It offers a systematic phonics approach that any parent or teacher can use, regardless of their educational background.
What Drives Me
My work is guided by three straightforward goals:
- Make learning science understandable
- Create tools that actually work in classrooms and homes
- Ensure that educational methods are based on evidence, not trends
No Magic, Just Method
I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. Each child learns differently. My approach is about providing flexible, research-backed strategies that can be adapted to individual needs.
An Invitation
If you’re a parent struggling to help your child read, a teacher looking for effective strategies, or simply curious about how learning happens, you’re in the right place.
Let’s demystify learning—together.
—Cassandra