Original version published in 1898. Groos identified play activity as practice for developing the skills and competencies that would enable “higher animals” to master the tasks of life. He also wrote at length about “imitative play” in humans, whereby children expanded on the behaviors of adults. Interestingly, Groos suggested that you could determine how different […]
This expanded second edition carries forward the initial insights into the biological and existential significances of animation by taking contemporary research findings in cognitive science and philosophy and in neuroscience into critical and constructive account. It first takes affectivity as its focal point, elucidating it within both an enactive and qualitative affective-kinetic dynamic. It follows […]
This classic study of the spontaneous play of young children combines vivid and delightful observations with profoundly important insights. Alison Stallibrass, an expert on children’s play and the mother of five children, makes clear the importance of uninhibited games and activities, without adult interference, in building a child’s skill, judgment, and self-esteem, and shows how […]
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 […]
Respect. Honor. Esteem. These words aren’t usually associated with young babies. Yet it is widely agreed that these concepts are vital later in life. A child’s personality is largely formed in the first three years. Her outlook on the world is being shaped. Why not engage in a respectful relationship with your child as soon […]
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 […]
This book is the result of the first two-year work of Working Group 1 of the network “LUDI – Play for children with disabilities”. LUDI is an Action (2014-2018) financed by COST; it is a multidisciplinary network of more than 30 countries and almost 100 researchers and practitioners belonging to the humanistic and technological fields […]
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 […]
Poor design and wasted funding characterize today’s American playgrounds. A range of factors―including a litigious culture, overzealous safety guidelines, and an ethos of risk aversion―have created uniform and unimaginative playgrounds. These spaces fail to nurture the development of children or promote playgrounds as an active component in enlivening community space. Solomon’s book demonstrates how to […]
From the joy of smearing glue on paper to the screaming delight of a bubble-blowing relay, kids love to play. In fact, it’s every kid’s built-in tool for experiencing the world at large. A parent-friendly encyclopedia, UNPLUGGED PLAY offers hundreds and hundreds of battery-free, screen-free, chirp-and-beep-free games and fun variations that stretch the imagination, spark […]
Today’s parents often worry that their children will be at a disadvantage if they are not engaged in constant learning, but child development expert David Elkind reassures us that imaginative play goes far to prepare children for academic and social success. Through expert analysis of the research and powerful examples, Elkind shows how creative, spontaneous […]
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 […]
It is now widely acknowledged that play is central to our lives. As a phenomenon, play poses important questions of reality, subjectivity, competition, inclusion and exclusion. This international collection is the third in a series of books (including The Philosophy of Play and Philosophical Perspectives on Play) that aims to build paradigmatic bridges between scholars […]
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 role of play in human development has long been the subject of controversy. Despite being championed by many of the foremost scholars of the twentieth century, play has been dogged by underrepresentation and marginalization in literature across the scientific disciplines. The Oxford Handbook of the Development of Play marks the first attempt to exxamine […]
Join our newsletter to stay up to date on the latest in play.
NIFPlay and Dr. Stuart Brown have been featured in these media outlets (and more!).
The Institute wants the world to know:
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.
© Copyright 2007-2024. All Rights Reserved. National Institute for Play is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, public benefit corporation. Privacy Policy. Cookie Policy.
