Yesterday’s New York Times featured a sad but important op-ed piece by David Elkind, author of the books The Hurried Child and The Power of Play, among others, about the newest threats to childhood and play being imposed on our already over-scheduled children.
New York Times: “Playtime is Over” by David Elkind
He states that many schools are now employing “recess coaches” to oversee children’s play time. (Yes, you read that right. Recess coaches!) The traditional culture of childhood is quickly disappearing. I urge you to read this article, then visit The Alliance for Childhood’s website to learn what this organization is doing to protect childhood in the world, and to preserve a child’s freedom to play. Sign up for their free alerts to learn ways you can help.
“Play is the only way the highest intelligence of humankind can unfold.” ~Joseph Chilton Pearce
2 Comments
Thank you for your comment recently — I just discovered it in the spam box.
Thanks for the link to this essay! And I love your blog and your store and your BOOK! It’s a wonderful book, with so much important, useful and practical information for parents and teachers. Thank you!
I can’t even remember now, the comment to which you are referring! But thanks for stopping by, Shannon, and for your kind words on my blog and my book. The admiration is mutual, I assure you!