The Child's Right to Play

09/17/2008

At times, our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us.
Albert Schweitzer

The American Academy of Pediatrics has published an excellent set of guidelines for pediatricians on the importance of promoting play. The report, "The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds" by Kenneth R. Ginsburg, includes a extremely useful summary for all who care about young children, on the reasons play is becoming a diminishing part of children's lives and why this is harmful to their development. In the Introduction, Ginsburg observes...

"Play is so important to optimal child development that it has been recognized by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child. This birthright is challenged by forces including child labor and exploitation practices, war and neighborhood violence, and the limited resources available to children living in poverty. However, even those children who are fortunate enough to have abundant available resources and who live in relative peace may not be receiving the full benefits of play. Many of these children are being raised in an increasingly hurried and pressured style that may limit the protective benefits they would gain from child-driven play. Because every child deserves the opportunity to develop to their unique potential, child advocates must consider all factors that interfere with optimal development and press for circumstances that allow each child to fully reap the advantages associated with play."

Exchange Resources on Play

Exchange has packaged six of its play resources into a single "Play Tool Kit" and is offering the entire set at a 33% discount. Resources in the kit include…

Beginnings Workshops Book #6 - Play
Power of Play by David Elkind
Exchange Article CD Collection #8 - Play
THREE Out of the Box Training Kits (Print versions)

Play and the Outdoors: What's New Under the Sun
But They're Only Playing: Interpreting Play to Parents
Supporting Constructive Play in the Wild

Earn 40 clock hours for CDA Online

Through the EverydayTLC Early Childhood Institute program, you can earn 40 clock hours towards your CDA certificate. Affordable and convenient too! All tests are reviewed by a CDA approved advisor.

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