When children play, they become creators, dreamers and artists. Sticks become wands, swords, dolls or snakes. This work 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 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?; and how lively childhood players become creative adult thinkers?

About the Author

Sally Jenkinson is a lecturer, mother and kindergarten teacher. Her background is as a teacher in state schools and then in Steiner kindergartens. She worked as an early years consultant with the Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship for many years. She is a respected contributor to British and European research conferences on Early Childhood. She now works for the Alliance for Childhood, an international forum established to enable partnerships of organisations and individuals to work together to improve children's lives. She writes and lectures on early childhood issues.

Reviews

"Offers much help to adults struggling to understand the power of play" Joan Almon, Co-Chair, Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America "Shows how play deprivation is a threat to our well-being...this is essential reading" Christopher Clouder, Alliance for Childhood