{"product_id":"the-power-of-play-learning-what-comes-naturally-canada-0738211109","title":"The Power of Play: Learning What Comes Naturally","description":"\u003ch2\u003eWhat You’ll Learn About Children and Play\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis book invites readers to reconsider common assumptions about play and learning. You may discover:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow unstructured play builds executive function and self-regulation.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe role of fantasy and pretense in developing social understanding.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhy free play is essential for emotional well-being and stress reduction.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow to differentiate between productive play and passive entertainment.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe impact of over-scheduling on children’s natural curiosity.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eThese themes are presented not as definitive prescriptions, but as perspectives that can deepen your appreciation for the simple act of playing.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOverview: Why Play Matters More Than Ever\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn our fast-paced, achievement-oriented world, it’s easy to forget that children learn best through play. David Elkind’s \u003cstrong\u003eThe Power of Play: Learning What Comes Naturally\u003c\/strong\u003e brings this timeless truth to the forefront. This book explores how play—from make-believe to roughhousing—supports cognitive, social, and emotional growth. Elkind presents a compelling case for allowing children the freedom to explore, experiment, and imagine. Rather than prescribing rigid schedules, he encourages parents and educators to trust the innate drive to play.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhat Makes This Book Stand Out?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eUnlike many parenting guides that focus on academic achievement, \u003cem\u003eThe Power of Play\u003c\/em\u003e emphasizes the intrinsic value of play as a natural learning process. Published in paperback, this accessible volume draws on research and real-world observations. Key features include:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEvidence-based insights:\u003c\/strong\u003e Elkind synthesizes decades of child psychology research to show how play fosters problem-solving, creativity, and resilience.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAge-appropriate guidance:\u003c\/strong\u003e The book covers early childhood through elementary years, offering examples that resonate with different stages.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePractical applications:\u003c\/strong\u003e While not a step-by-step manual, it provides principles that parents can adapt to their own family’s rhythm.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEngaging writing style:\u003c\/strong\u003e Elkind’s prose is clear and compelling, making complex ideas accessible without oversimplifying.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWho Should Read This Book?\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe Power of Play\u003c\/strong\u003e is valuable for anyone involved in children’s lives:\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eParents:\u003c\/strong\u003e Gain reassurance that letting kids play is not wasted time but essential for growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eEducators:\u003c\/strong\u003e Find support for integrating play-based learning into classrooms.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTherapists and counsellors:\u003c\/strong\u003e Explore the psychological foundations of play as a therapeutic tool.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eStudents of child development:\u003c\/strong\u003e Access a classic text that connects theory to everyday experience.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhether you’re a new parent or a seasoned professional, Elkind’s work offers insights that may change how you view childhood.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions About Play and Learning\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs this book only for parents of young children?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhile much of the focus is on early childhood, the principles apply to school-age kids as well. The book addresses the challenges of preserving playtime amid academic pressures.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eDoes the book provide specific activities?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eRather than a list of games, it offers a mindset shift. You’ll learn to recognize play opportunities in everyday moments, from a cardboard box to a game of tag.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHow does this book differ from other parenting books?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eMany parenting books stress achievement or discipline. Elkind’s work is a refreshing counterbalance, championing the child’s natural drive to learn through play.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eIs the research up to date?\u003c\/h3\u003e\u003cp\u003eFirst published in 2007, the book draws on foundational studies. While newer research exists, the core arguments remain relevant and are supported by ongoing findings.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eDavid Elkind is the author of several influential books on child development. His work reflects a deep understanding of how children think, learn, and grow. In \u003cem\u003eThe Power of Play\u003c\/em\u003e, he draws on his expertise to advocate for a childhood rich in spontaneous, joyful activity.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eDisclaimer: This book is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional advice. For specific concerns about your child’s development, consult a qualified professional.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Da Capo Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48338171396334,"sku":null,"price":44.34,"currency_code":"CAD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0816\/1158\/7822\/files\/61H2MUHeLQL._SL1360.jpg?v=1784300627","url":"https:\/\/vitamin4ca.com\/products\/the-power-of-play-learning-what-comes-naturally-canada-0738211109","provider":"vitamin4ca","version":"1.0","type":"link"}