http://udel.edu/~roberta/
She has twelve books out and the website will connect you to executive summaries as well as some full access to articles. I hope to blog some thoughts about her work and how I see its application to any kindergarten experiences I might find myself in over the next little while.
http://udel.edu/~roberta/publications.html
 | A Mandate for Playful Learning in Preschool: Presenting the Evidence Play has become a four-letter word. In an effort to give children a head start on academic skills like reading and mathematics, play is discouraged and didactic learning is stressed. This book presents the scientific evidence in support of three points: 1) Children need both unstructured free play and playful learning under the gentle guidance of adults to best prepare them for entrance into formal school; 2) academic and social development are so inextricably intertwined that the former must not trump attention to the latter; and 3) learning and play are not incompatible; learning takes place best when children are engaged and enjoying themselves. Playful learning, and not drill-and-practice, engages and motivates children in ways that enhance developmental outcomes and life-long learning. If we hope to prepare intelligent, socially skilled, creative thinkers for the global workplace of tomorrow, we must return play to its rightful position in children's lives. Click here to read the executive summary. Click here to visit the official website. |
