The Genius of Play Celebrating the Spirit of Childhood Sally Jenkinson ISBN: 9781903458044 Book (Paperback) Hawthorn Press $25.00 128 pages January 2001

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“A refreshing and exciting examination of the critical role that pretending may represent for the child and the later adult.” —Jerome L Singer, Yale University “A book of genius, which celebrates childhood magically and enchantingly by capturing its spirit throughout.” —Diane Rich, Early Education “Everyone who takes an interest in the lives of young children, in their being and becoming, will want to attend to what Sally Jenkinson is telling us. This is a beautiful and important book.” —Mary Jane Drummond, formerly University of Cambridge When children play, they become creators, dreamers, and artists. Sticks become wands, swords, dolls, or snakes. Children move like quick fire from the fantastic to the everyday, when free to express the genius of play. The Genius of Play addresses what play is, why it matters, and how modern life endangers children's play. Moving, vivid stories reveal the secrets of play. Here is an outspoken Children’s Play Charter for parents and teachers, which celebrates the playful spirit of childhood. The author answers questions such as: What do children express in their play? How does play help develop empathy and social skills? How are children influenced by in appropriate toys, TV, and consumerism? How does play develop children's imagination? Why do children need adults who encourage play? How do creative childhood players become good adult thinkers? Sally Jenkinson's perceptive observations will inform and delight parents and teachers who want to gain more insight into the secrets of children's play. Sally Jenkinson is a lecturer, mother and kindergarten teacher. She works for the Alliance for Childhood, having advised Waldorf kindergartens for many years. She is a respected contributor to British and European research conferences on early childhood. She is a tireless advocate of children's holistic developmental needs, particularly to the Department for Employment and Education during their consultation on early years education for the national curriculum.       See all titles by this author

Of Related Interest: How Children Play

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