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The Genius of Play
Celebrating the spirit of
childhood
Sally Jenkinson
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. Here is an outspoken
Children's Play Charter for parents and teachers, which celebrates
the playful spirit of childhood. Sally Jenkinson asks;
- What do children express in their play?
- How does play develop empathy and social skills?
- How are children influenced by inappropriate toys, TV and
consumerism?
- How does play develop children's imaginations?
- Why do children need adults who encourage play?
- How lively childhood players become creative adult thinkers?
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224pp; 216 x 138mm;
1 903458 048;
paperback; £12.99
Published in association with the Alliance for Childhood
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Sally Jenkinson is an advocate
for the importance of children's play. Mother and former Steiner
Waldorf kindergarten teacher, Sally lectures, writes and advises
on early childhood issues. She is a founder member of the Alliance
for Childhood.
'…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
'This book is about the invisible, but
vital, world of play. Sally Jenkinson, a former kindergarten
teacher and a founder member of the Alliance for Childhood, celebrates
the importance of a full and healthy imaginary life for children.
In our modern western culture, children are being deprived of
this essential right. Fearful for their safety, we curtail their
outdoor play and exploration of the natural world. Succumbing
to mass marketing, we buy them toys whose use is prescribed and
leaves the child's fertile mind fallow, or leave them for long
stretches of time in front of TVs, computers and video games,
which leave their play skills redundant.
But this is far from a negative and depressing book. It is a
joyous and moving testimonial to the power of play, detailing
how enjoying creative freedom as children enables us to grow
into healthy, well-adjusted, productive adults. Including practical
solutions for improving the quality of our children's play times,
this book is fascinating reading for anyone who works (or plays!)
with little ones.'
Kate Wood, in 'Juno'
magazine, Summer 2004
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