""We have a terrible irony. In the name of education, we have increasingly deprived children of the time and freedom they need to educate themselves through their own means" (Gray, 2013). Play is the key element being overlooked in child development and education. So many of the needed social and emotional skills along with “desired academic outcomes” can be achieved if we just let children play. But for this to happen, it is important to acknowledge true play and protect it in early childhood." ~ The Whole Child Alphabet: How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy, published by Exchange Press.
Have you read Dr. Peter Gray's book, Free to Learn? It is a must read for anyone working with or making decisions about young children, including parents. His TED talk The Decline of Play, is a great introduction to his work and an amazing resource to share with stakeholders regarding the importance of CHILD-LED play! (More about what play is and is not to come!)
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