"Play is the work of children," has been a core concept of early childhood education for a century. And extensive empirical research has documented the value of play for both cognitive and social development. Despite the evidence, this core tenet is under attack and educators are under pressure to substitute formal instruction in reading readiness for the free play periods that have long been a central part of a young child's experience in preschool and child care.
In Children's Play, leading experts in play research, child development, and early childhood education examine recent policy decisions and demonstrate the importance of play in helping children learn basic literacy skills, social awareness, and creative problem-solving. It also includes a comprehensive summary of the developmental benefits of play, examples of how research has been applied in practice, a multicultural perspective on play, and ideas for how to play imaginative games with children.
Play--guided by teachers, child care providers, and parents--can contribute to emerging literacy by motivating a child to learn the cognitive and social skills that are prerequisites for success in kindergarten and beyond. This important new book demonstrates the importance of play in helping children learn.
