The Power of Play

I'm reading a book about the role of play in a child's development. The book is called The Power of Play, by David Elkind, Ph.D. In it, Elkind describes the different types of play and the value of unstructured play as a means of learning. The author writes about young children not needing "formal instruction," because that is not what motivates them to learn. They need play and love (love of the thing that gets their attention) in order to learn. Not work or formal instruction. The play and love has to be their first, or learning will be a chore. Elkind writes, "parents and teachers are most effective if they build on children's love of stories, contrasts, rhythm and rhyme, unexpected facts, and humor." I found a blogger who has listed a series of quotes from the book. If you are interested in reading more about play . . . click here