While this book is not play oriented it does tell the story of how No Child Left Behind led to play based learning being removed from Kindergarten and pre-school classrooms. In this landmark book, Diane Ravitch – former assistant secretary of education and a leader in the drive to create a national curriculum – examines […]
Perhaps because they were given to pioneers dedicated to opening a new Waldorf school, these talks have been considered one of the best introductions to Waldorf education. Steiner shows how essential it is for teachers to work first upon themselves to transfrom their inherent gifts, and to use humour to keep their teaching lively and […]
Through engaging personal stories and essays, eight writers offer inspiration and encouragement for both seasoned and prospective unschoolers. This 2nd edition includes Jan Hunt’s “Ten Tips for New Unschooling Parents”. The book features writing by Jan Hunt, Nanda Van Gestel, Daniel Quinn, John Holt, Rue Kream, Kim Houssenloge, Earl Stevens, and Mary Van Doren. Edited […]
Traces the evolution of Steiner education and Waldorf schools as they have developed across the last century Analyses how its original philosophy has been maintained against competing global trends in education Examines how the schools retain their own distinctive identity and how alternative education can be viewed
Rae Pica knows what she’s talking about. With over 35 years in the field of education, she’s realized that what’s missing from our approach to schooling is an understanding of the connection between how children develop and how they learn. In this collection, Pica keeps children front and center as she provides thought-provoking commentary and […]
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A WALDORF KINDERGARTEN: Baking, washing, sweeping, mending, singing, painting! Imagine the scent of bread baking, the warm sudsy water for washing the dishes, the muscle power of sweeping, the fine eye-hand coordination of mending and sewing. Imagine the visual education in the dancing watercolors. And if you have had […]
This research-based publication extends the knowledge base about appropriate playground materials, equipment, and use patterns. The initial chapter focuses on the importance of play, with special attention paid to contemporary research by neuroscientists that shows play is critical to children’s healthy physical, cognitive, and social development. Later chapters identify development sequences for children’s motor behaviors […]
Rhythm and repetition, together with example and imitation, are pillars on which early learning is based. Freya Jaffke applies these simple principles in practical and sensible ways. She describes children’s play in a Steiner-Waldorf kindergarten setting, and provides tried and tested advice on this important stage of development. This book includes sections on Planning the […]
This book is a compilation of 47 wide-ranging papers presented at the International Conference on Play and Play Environments. The introduction reviews both the historical recognition of the value of play by various philosophers and educators and the historical disregard for childhood that has prevailed through the centuries, particularly in emerging industrialized nations. An explanation […]
NEW! Learn about the fastest growing educational alternative where the learning focus is on acquiring competencies through self-directed education within solid relationships. This book examines the nature of learning, teaching, motivation, stress, and the power of relationships, written by a child development specialist. It also reveals the insights from the Team of Thirty (TOT), which […]
Shows teachers how and why they should bring play into the classroom to make learning meaningful, relevant, and fun. Forward by Dr. Stuart Brown Research studies show that all students—young and old, rich and poor, urban and rural—benefit immensely from classrooms filled with art, creativity, and laughter. Fun, playfulness, creative thinking, and individual expression reinforce […]
Responding to current debates on the place of play in schools, the authors have extensively revised their groundbreaking book. They explain how and why play is a critical part of children’s development, as well as the central role adults have to promote it. This classic textbook and popular practitioner resource offers systematic descriptions and analyses […]
The purpose of the Normal Course in Play is to give a conception of the scope of play and its influences on life which will challenge the student as well as give practical information. The book lays before the instructor the main facts about the play movement and program, its significance in the life of […]
The handbook is composed of chapters by authors who discuss the important features of particular types of toys, provide information related to the developmental importance of this type of toy, discuss social and cultural issues engendered by play with such toys, and review the available research on the characteristics and potential impact on children’s developmental […]
A fascinating read for parents who wonder, simply, what is my child thinking? Why do they love collecting? Where did that idea come from? A celebration of children’s innovation and sense of wonder.”-Emily Oster, author of Expecting Better “Weaving together personal observations and experiences, findings from psychological experiments, and powerful organizing concepts, Susan Engel has […]
Play takes up much of the time budget of young children, and many animals, but its importance in development remains contested. This comprehensive collection brings together multidisciplinary and developmental perspectives on the forms and functions of play in animals, children in different societies, and through the lifespan. The Cambridge Handbook of Play covers the evolution […]
Technology Play and Brain Development brings together current research on play development, learning technology, and brain development. The authors first navigate the play technology and brain development interface, highlighting the interactive qualities that make up each component. Next, they survey the changes in play materials and the variations in time periods for play that have […]
In Teach, Play, Learn! educator Adam Peterson shares his insights about the advantages of adopting play-based teaching in today’s schools. Complete with tons of activities that you can use right now, concrete examples, and a pedagogical toolkit, this book will help you transform classic toys and games—and even everyday objects—into opportunities for play-centered learning. With […]
Introducing drama to the learning experience is guaranteed to enrich a child’s development, and is an especially effective approach for children with special educational needs, including those with autism spectrum disorders. This practical handbook offers teachers an array of simple and easy-to-implement theatrical techniques that will enhance students’ learning and encourage artistic expression. The author […]
Play is an essential part of children’s development and learning. Play helps children learn to understand themselves and get along with others, explore their environment, investigate science, math, and literacy, learn about their communities, and much more. The articles in this collection emphasize the importance of play—from infancy through the primary grades, how to support […]
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A) Playing, being playful, is the healthiest way to spend your time (after feeding and housing yourself).
B) The activities that evoke playful feelings are unique to each of us.
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