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Vivian Gussin Paley
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A Child's Work: The Importance of Fantasy Play Paperback – 27 May 2005

by Vivian Gussin Paley (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 136
See all formats and editions
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The buzz word in education today is accountability. But the federal mandate of "no child left behind" has come to mean curriculums driven by preparation for standardized tests and quantifiable learning results. Even for very young children, unstructured creative time in the classroom is waning as teachers and administrators are under growing pressures to measure school readiness through rote learning and increased homework. In her new book, Vivian Gussin Paley decries this rapid disappearance of creative time and makes the case for the critical role of fantasy play in the psychological, intellectual, and social development of young children.

A Child's Work goes inside classrooms around the globe to explore the stunningly original language of children in their role-playing and storytelling. Drawing from their own words, Paley examines how this natural mode of learning allows children to construct meaning in their worlds, meaning that carries through into their adult lives. Proof that play is the work of children, this compelling and enchanting book will inspire and instruct teachers and parents as well as point to a fundamental misdirection in today's educational programs and strategies.
Previous page
  1. Print length
    111 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    *University of Chicago Press
  4. Publication date
    27 May 2005
  5. Dimensions
    13.34 x 1.27 x 20.32 cm
  6. ISBN-10
    0226644898
  7. ISBN-13
    978-0226644899
  8. See all details
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"This irresistible book is Vivian Gussin Paley at her very best. Her present inssistence on the necessary relation between a rich variety of fantasy play and intellectual growth is represented as a hard-earned, precious insight, on which she will not negotiate."

From the Back Cover

The buzz word in education today is accountability. But the federal mandate of "no child left behind" has come to mean curriculums driven by preparation for standardized tests and quantifiable learning results. Even for very young children, unstructured creative time in the classroom is waning as teachers and administrators are under growing pressures to measure school readiness through rote learning and increased homework. In her new book, Vivian Gussin Paley decries this rapid disappearance of creative time and makes the case for the critical role of fantasy play in the psychological, intellectual, and social development of young children.

A Child's Work goes inside classrooms around the globe to explore the stunningly original language of children in their role-playing and storytelling. Drawing from their own words, Paley examines how this natural mode of learning allows children to construct meaning in their worlds, meaning that carries through into their adult lives. Proof that play is the work of children, this compelling and enchanting book will inspire and instruct teachers and parents as well as point to a fundamental misdirection in today's educational programs and strategies.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ *University of Chicago Press; 1st edition (27 May 2005)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 111 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0226644898
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0226644899
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13.34 x 1.27 x 20.32 cm
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 136

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Vivian Gussin Paley

Vivian Gussin Paley

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Vivian Gussin Paley worked for nearly forty years as a preschool and kinder-garten teacher and is the author of thirteen books about young children, including, most recently, A Child's Work: The Importance of Fantasy Play.

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4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
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kogu
5.0 out of 5 stars respecting children's viewpoints
Reviewed in Canada on 25 May 2014
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It was a pleasure to read this book. As a mother and a teacher, the book is inspiring and refreshing giving me deep insight to the value of children's play. We know it is important, and I wish I could convey that gently and clearly like Vivian Paley.
One person found this helpful
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belkis
5.0 out of 5 stars Vital book fro parents/teachers who truly respect children's innate desire to learn through fantasy and play!
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 14 February 2015
Verified Purchase
The importance of fantasy, nothing is so important in a child's life. To be allowed to play make believe, to imagine something is somethingelse.
This is where creativity, flexibility starts which are the basis for more complex, rational thinking. The starting school age at 4 years old in the UK is killing fantasy. That is very worring for children emotional intelligence and well being in the long run. Allow children to be free, to imagine, to create. Do not start teaching reading and writing too early - most of Europe starts at 6 years old - and let kids learn at their own pace.
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bcooper
5.0 out of 5 stars Let them Play
Reviewed in the United States on 11 April 2011
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The book is written by Vivian Gussin Paley as she chronicles her a 37 years as a nursery school and kindergarten teacher and her observations of dramatic play in the classroom.This book gives a strong arguement for less table work and more play for learners of all ages, and the methods that Ms. Paley describes in her book prove the value of dramatic play in the classroom, at any grade level.
I chose this book based on the title and my interest in using "fantasy play" and drama to teach social lessons in my own classroom. The themes of the book are seemingly progressive compared to the current academic expectations and preparations for children in the classroom. Yet, Vivian Paley contends that our schools have actually departed from the play-based nursery school and kindergartens of the past. Throughout the book, she criticizes the disappearance of dramatic play from American schools. She feels that the absence of play has become a major obstacle in children's path to learning and asks that storytelling and play be brought back to the classroom.
Dramatic play in the classroom setting is the child's "work." As children explore character, setting and intentions, like a professional actor does, they learn more and understand more about their lives. Dramatic play teaches socialization and life lessons that children have trouble grasping otherwise. Through their difficult work, they grow as human beings.
One person found this helpful
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Diane E. Craig
5.0 out of 5 stars Read this before
Reviewed in the United States on 17 June 2013
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Have this book in a hard copy, and have read it when first came out, but was traveling this summer, and wanted to read it again, but did not want to carry too many books. The Kindle version makes my summer reading manageable, and fun again.Vivian Paley has made looking at children through play and imagination as a form of art. In the phrase, "Stop the world, I want to get off" applies here. Children have mastered stopping the world and getting off to learn through the creative art of play. When do we lose this art form?
One person found this helpful
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Linda Chapman
5.0 out of 5 stars A treasure store of inspiration
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 June 2013
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This book is an absolute treasure and provided an in-depth insight into children's fantasy play, something which fascinates me. I gained lots of ideas that I have already used with the children that I work with in my own nursery. I will certainly be reading more books by this inspiring author.
One person found this helpful
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