A Call to Action on the Education of Young Children, prepared by the Alliance for Childhood (HTML, updated Feb. 2006)
"We are deeply concerned that current trends in early education, fueled bypolitical pressure, are leading to an emphasis on unproven methods of academic instruction and unreliable standardized testing that can undermine learning and damage young children’s healthy development."
Low-tech Toys Allow Kids to Play All Kinds of Ways (HTML, Dec. 2005)
When the new toy came into Creative Kidstuff, saleswoman Shannon Ingersoll thought it was the stupidest thing she had ever seen. It was a curve of brightly colored plastic shaped like a turtle shell with two holes in the side. What was its point? But then, she brought it home.
Books
A Whole New Mind: Why Right-Brainers Will Rule the Future, by Daniel Pink
The era of "left brain" dominance, and the Information Age that it engendered, are giving way to a new world in which "right brain" qualities–inventiveness, empathy, meaning–predominate.
Smart Play Smart Toys: How to Raise a Child with a High PQ, by Stevanne Auerbach
We've all heard of IQ but do you know your child's PQ or Play Quotient? A child's ability to play does more than provide for fun and diversion; it is critical for his or her emotional and intellectual growth, and teaches everything from social skills to analytical thinking. For the developing mind of a child, learning to play is paramount--but is your child getting the most out of playtime?
The Power of Play: How Spontaneous, Imaginative Activities Lead to Happier, Healthier Children, by David Elkind, Ph.D.
Through expert analysis of the research and powerful examples, Elkind shows how creative, spontaneous play fosters healthy mental and social development and sets the stage for academic learning. The Power of Play restores play’s respected place in children’s lives and encourages parents to trust their instincts to stay away from many of the dubious educational products on the market.
The Hurried Child-25th Anniversary Edition, by David Elkind, Ph.D.
In the third edition of this classic (2001), Dr. Elkind provides a detailed, up-to-the-minute look at the Internet, classroom culture, school violence, movies, television, and a growing societal incivility to show parents and teachers where hurrying occurs and why. And as before, he offers parents and teachers insight, advice, and hope for encouraging healthy development while protecting the joy and freedom of childhood.
Teaching and Learning Outside the Box: Inspiring Imagination Across the Curriculum, Kieran Egan, Maureen Stout, Keiichi Takaya, editors.
While we have a rich educational literature about holding students' interest, we do not have very much sustained work on what the imagination is, how it works in learning, or how it may be inspired in the classroom. Addressing the whole curriculum, this book provides insights into each of those areas central to educational success.
The Way of the Storyteller, by Ruth Sawyer
Sawyer examines storytelling as a folk art and a still-living art, tracing its evolution from the earliest narrative impulses that developed as stories were written down. With simple suggestions, she instructs the reader in the art of storytelling and freeing the creative imagination by disciplining the mind. The Way of the Storyteller also is an invaluable resource with a comprehensive reading and story list.
The Treasury of Family Games, by Jim Glenn
A must-have resource for every home, with over 200 games for the whole family; includes basic rules, easy-to-follow, detailed instructions, over 300 diagrams and illustrations, strategies, and tips. Learn how many players are needed, the game's level of difficulty, how long you can expect to play, and what equipment you'll need.
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Videos
Think-ets on YouTube
Watch the fun!
iParenting Media Awards' video interview with Think-ets co-founder Randy Compton.
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Magazines/Newsletters
Playthings-The Business of Play
The Bloom Report
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Toy Reviewers/Awards
Dr. Toy
The Toy Man
Toy Tips
Parent’s Choice
iParenting Media Awards
Creative Child Magazine
Oppenheim Toy Portfolio
ASTRA
Eco Child’s Play
NAPPA
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Trade Associations/Organizations
The American Specialty Toy Retailing Association (ASTRA)
Toy Industry Association
Association for Play Therapy
National Storytelling Network
Story Arts
National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts
Alliance for Childhood
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Recommended Toys and Games
Flashflight - a family of light-up flying discs and toys for playing after dark.
You’ve Been Sentenced - the first game to really turn making sentences into a very funny, playable, and challenging game.
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