The Genius of Play: Celebrating the Spirit of Childhood

by Sally Jenkinson

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 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.

Genres: Parenting

128 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2001

Reviews

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting and well written book on the significance of spontaneous play (not teacher-directed or adult-controlled) in human development and the urgency for today's children to take their time playing freely, if possible far from adult interference and supervision, whenever possible physically and outdoors.

A useful warning against "the current emphasis on formal learning and over-use of mediated experiences - tv, video, computer games- which can deprive children of immediate sensory encounters with the real world." and in general against accelerated learning and the cult of early adulthood.

Encouraging an active childhood and clearly explaining its benefits for children.

Very inspiring!

[Sarah Buckleitner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book. Such a fascinating, scientifically-grounded, important argument for protecting children's play in a world of increasing technology and focus on academic achievement.

[Cecile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stopped page 64 after too many thinly veiled evolutionist statements.