In January 2008, we presented an Open Source program at the National AALS Conference
in which we explored the applicability of cognitive/developmental theories of play to our�…

Several factors are eroding children's right to play. The first is continuing poverty throughout
the world. This factor is evident in underdeveloped countries and the inner cities of�…

I first heard Stuart Brown, the nation's leading expert on the science of play and the founder
of the National Institute for Play, on the NPR show" Speaking of Faith," and the interview�…

The Trouble with Play departs from some of the ideas about play that are held dear by many
in early childhood education. It raises questions about fairness and equity, and prompts�…

For many children, societal changes have restricted the opportunities for and the right to
play. Adults deal with these violations of children's right to play by trying to correct problems�…

Children have a right to play (Vittachi 1989). Play is critical, but just as critical is helping
children play for the right reasons (Bonel and Lindon 1995). But what does that mean in�…

LItLs just play; L we hear this often in a way to diminish its importance. In the name of rigor
and adult measures of educational success, play has been nearly extinguished from�…

Ideologically, the field of early childhood education today is embroiled in controversy, with
disagreement being voiced on the educative value of play and the role that should be�…

Children are growing up in a rapidly changing world characterized by dramatic shifts in what
all children are expected to know and be able to do. Higher and tougher standards of�…