A Child's Work

In A Child's Work, innovative and widely respected educator Vivian Gussin Paley offers a manifesto against the decline of children's creative time, making the case for the critical role of fantasy play in the psychological, intellectual, and social development of young children. Paley speaks from firsthand experience about the limitless growth of young children who are allowed the time for fantasy play as she enters classrooms around the globe to explore the stunningly original language of these children in their role-playing and storytelling. Drawing from their own words, Paley examines the developing logic and learning that allow children to construct meaning in their worlds, meaning that is crucial to 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.

ISBN 0226644898   Pages 128 ISBN13 9780226644899 (What's this?)   Volumes 1 Publisher The University of Chicago Press   Weight (grammes) 156 Imprint University of Chicago Press   Published in Chicago, IL Format Paperback   Height (mm) 202 Publication date 07 Jun 2005   Width (mm) 134 Library of Congress LB   Spine width (mm) 10 DEWEY 155.418   Academic level Professional / Scholarly DEWEY edition DC22

"This irresistible book is Vivian Gussin Paley at her very best.... Paley's defence of fantasy play is fuelled by urgency and a passionate interest in children and everything they do.... [A Child's Work also includes] story after powerful story from Paley's magnificent anthology of the imagination, all collected from 'natural born storytellers who create their own dramatic literature.' The case she makes is convincing because, in generous moves of self-analysis, she shows us her own learning, her own coming to understand." - Mary Jane Drummond, Times Education Supplement; "America's children have in Vivian Gussin Paley an extraordinarily knowing and thoughtful observer - indeed, a resourceful teacher who has so much to tell us about how our country's young people live, learn, grow, in mind, heart and spirit. Here is a book brimming with brave wisdom that will help us parents and teachers understand how our sons and daughters, our students come to terms with life through their minds' activity." - Robert Coles author of The Moral Intelligence of Children; "Paley does children a great service by reminding us of the enormous value of fantasy play." - San Francisco Ghronicle Book Review"

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