I am reading a new book by Stuart Brown, M.D. and Christopher Vaughn. I was browsing in a book store, and of course the title jumped out at me – Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination and Invigorates the Soul. The author’s name was familiar, as I’d heard of him as the founder of the National Institute for Play. I usually read and research play from the educational and human development perspectives, so I was intrigued to learn more about Dr. Brown and his defense of play from a medical viewpoint.
Dr. Brown is an advocate of play in everyone’s (young and old) lives. He understands and explains the innate need for play. His focus in this book is to convince those who dismiss play as a frivolous pursuit, to understand its central place in our lives. Play is often what is missing when people find themselves too busy, stressed, overwhelmed and wondering, “Is this all there is? What is the point?”
Dr. Brown also explains the neuroscience involved in nurturing innovative and creative people. “Once kids enter school, the importance of free play doesn’t end. All of the patterns that induce states of play are present and remain important for growth, flexibility, and learning. Unfortunately, we often forget this and choose not to focus on play’s necessity under intense pressure to succeed. No Child Left Behind is a perfect example.” (p.99) He argues that NCLB has led to a focus on rote memorization that is preparing students for assembly work jobs of the past, not fostering their creativity and imaginations for innovative jobs of the future. “
This book, and the work of Dr. Stuart Brown, is an important contribution to the promotion and protection of play. Find it at your nearest library or book store and share it with your family, friends, teachers, employers and employees! As Dr. Brown writes, “When enough people raise play to the status it deserves in our lives, we will find the world a better place.”
I am anxious to check this out!!! Thanks!