Creating a Beautiful Mess: Ten Essential Play Experiences for a Joyous Childhood

by Ann Gadzikowski

2015 GOLD WINNER in the National Parenting Publications Awards

Parents will appreciate Creating a Beautiful Mess because it's fun and helpful. This book isn't about parenting rights or wrongs; it's about playful, joyous play experiences for childhood that are universal. It boils down the essential play experiences in an accessible, practical, and easy way. The chapters represent an optimal balance among experiences that support learning, provide physical activity, encourage creative expression, and promote social and family connections.

Genres: Parenting

184 pages, Paperback

First published July 20, 2015

About the author

Ann Gadzikowski is an author and educator with a passion for challenging children to think creatively and critically. Her recent book Creating a Beautiful Mess: Ten Essential Play Experiences for a Joyous Childhood won gold in the National Parenting Publications Awards. A graduate of the Erikson Institute, Ann has more than twenty-five years of experience as a teacher and director of early childhood programs. She is the author of curriculum books, teaching guides, classroom readers, and numerous publications for parents of young children.

Ann embraces both the arts and the sciences in her work with children. Her credentials in music and literature inform her role as executive director of Preschool of the Arts, a Reggio-Emilia inspired school in Madison, Wisconsin. Ann also developed expertise in robotics, computer science, and engineering through her work as early childhood coordinator for Northwestern University’s Center for Talent Development. Ann is a frequent speaker at professional conferences, such as the National Association for Young Children and the National Association for Gifted Children. Ann teaches early childhood education courses at Oakton Community College and she frequently provides teacher training and consultation for schools and early childhood organizations.

Reviews

[Christine Barth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Most of this seemed very obvious to me, but unfortunately it's a much needed message. Well-written, without being negative or judgemental, a good read for parents of pre-schoolers. Skimming is made easy by short and clearly labeled sections.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very timely book that speaks to the significance of play in an age where early and primary learning seems to demand an increasing level of rigidity under the guise of "learning." Gadzikowski backs her arguments for "creating a beautiful mess" with scientific evidence along with relatable anecdotes of how children play. As a librarian, I especially loved her support of fostering imagination through rich source storytelling materials like fairy tales and folktales. Many parents shy away from the 398.2 nonfiction section in favor of popular character books and mass media kiddie lit distributors. Of course, any reading is good reading, but the artistry and magic of a good classic fairy tale, like Gadzikoski writes, truly helps to "expand children's horizons and feed their creativity."

[Sorento62 · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this age of ubiquitous screens, I think it is necessary to remind ourselves of the traditional ways children play so that we can gently encourage those opportunities in their lives.

The book is largely geared to children ages 3 thru 12 or so, with a few paragraphs relevant to 2 year olds and younger. Most applicable for the younger set is the simply described, Run Around Like Crazy (which is said to be most encouraged by a wide open grassy outdoor space).

The author lauds UK adventure parks, which sometimes incorporate activities like building fires or carpentry, and she mentions that no such thing seems to exist in the US due to liability concerns.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tons of great ideas in here! Quick and easy to read. Now please excuse me while I go buy some unit blocks for my kids!

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first time I read this book, I didn't "get it" I couldn't imagine why it was important. That might have been a sign that I didn't have enough of the right play experiences as a child 🙂 I lacked the imagination to understand it

Since then I had the opportunity to talk with a mother about her transgender child. She was struggling to interpret that behavior as play. She brought a lot of judgment to the situation. This book helped us in those conversations, because, well who doesn't want play for their child? If gender identity offers an opportunity for life long playful, well, how beautiful is that?

This book isn't about that. It's not that controversial. But it offers a lens to understand any behaviors. I imagine it could be useful for parents of kids with anxiety, ADHD, or depression. these conditions may be symptoms that something's missing, and that something might just be a limited portfolio deeply engaging play experiences.

This book helps you guide your children to essential play experiences. This book helps you interpret their play with this positive lens. Once you "get it", it is super fun to engage in those missing play activities together

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent resource; I know I will be referring back to "Creating a Beautiful Mess" for programming ideas often! If anyone doubts the value of play in our children's lives, they need to read this book.

[Karen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Good information but a little long and word heavy for parents to refer to.

[Pb · Rating 5 out of 5]

The freedom of creativity Ann offers are surely helpful to growing a child. A child's senses are experienced with thought and variety. All good!