How More Play Will Save Our Schools and Help Children Thrive
June 28, 2019
Finnish educator Sahlberg and TV producer and author Doyle, both parents of young children, focus on the importance of play: specifically, self-directed outdoor play. The verdict is in: the American Academy of Pediatrics strongly encourages play in schools and states that "The lifelong success of children is based on their ability to be creative and to apply the lessons learned from playing." The authors look at play-based experiments all over the globe, including "Anji Play," an experiment in play taking place in China's preschools, and Finland's educational system, which stresses play and is considered to be among the best in the world. They conclude that play deprivation is the result of colossal governmental mismanagement. The culprit is the Global Education Reform Movement, which favors academic performance, as measured by standardized testing, over children's engagement and well-being. Each of the last three presidential administrations is guilty of pushing standardized testing over respect for individual growth and strength. This insightful work concludes with ideas for change, emphasizing the joy children feel when they're allowed to play and the tension and unhappiness that ensue when their days are filled with preparation for standardized testing. VERDICT An excellent offering for parent activists, education students, and school administrators.--Elizabeth Safford, Boxford Town Lib., MA
Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.