Genius of Play

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. Sally Jenkinson asks: * What do children express in their play? * How play helps develop empathy and social skills? * How to tackle TV, inappropriate toys and consumerism? * How does play develop children's imaginations? * Why do children need adults who encourage play? * How creative childhood players become good adult thinkers 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. Sally Jenkinson is a lecturer, mother and kindergarten teacher. She works for the Alliance for Childhood, after advising Steiner/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 development needs to the Department for Employment and Education during their consultation on Early Years Education for the National Curriculum.