Philosophy
The method of teaching babies with flash cards was pioneered by Glenn Doman (GD), founder of the Institutes for the Achievement of Human Potential (IAHP), a nonprofit organization that teaches parents how to maximize the potential of their brain-injured or normal child. Doman published his seminal How To Teach Your Baby To Read back in 1964. The IAHP organizes parent workshops around the world, which these days are mostly led by Doman's daughter Janet (JD), director of the IAHP, and his son Douglas, vice director.
The Domans believe that most people get nowhere near to realizing their full genetic potential. According to GD, "Every child born has a greater potential intelligence than Leonardo da Vinci ever used in his lifetime." The degree to which a child can fulfill her potential depends on the quality and frequency of stimulation she receives from birth. The best people to provide this stimulation are the child's mother and father, because no one knows the child better or adores the child more than her parents. The Domans are keen to stress the importance of joyousness in teaching. For more on the Doman program, which covers children's physical as well as mental development, go to BrillBaby's Glenn Doman section.