This book gathers 16 theorists from diverse spaces to see what they each have to say about play. From deep in the 19th century until contemporary times, across cultures and different disciplines, through many languages, these theorists observed children in their finest form, at play. From social interactions to meaningful engagements, beginning in the crib, and outside to the pitch and forest, these theorists examined the evidence before them. Each in their own way, they affirmed that play is at the center of childhood growth and development.

Vivien Geneser, PhD has implemented a playful approach to teaching at all levels from preschool to university, most recently as an Associate Professor of Early Childhood education at Texas A&M University-San Antonio (A&M-SA). Dr. Geneser has received many accolades, including a Teaching and Research Excellence Award from the Texas A&M University System. She has served as a co-editor of bothEarly Years,and theIPAUSA eJournal, and is the author of numerous articles and book chapters about play and education.

Foreword

Introduction

Acknowledgements

Friedrich Froebel 1782-1852

Mary Ruth Moore

John Dewey 1859-1952

LaDonna Atkins

Maria Montessori 1870-1952

Josh Thompson

Johan Huizinga 1872-1945

Vivien L. Geneser& David J. Akpata

Arnold Gesell 1880-1961

Marcy Guddemi

Margaret Naumburg 1890-1983

Blythe Hinitz, Jeroen Staring,& Jerry Aldridge

Jean Piaget 1896-1980

Olga Jarrett

Lev Vygotsky 1896-1934

Joanna Cemore Brigden

Urie Bronfenbrenner 1917-2005

Debra Lawrence

Sara Smilansky 1922-2016

Karen Walker& Shelley B. Harris

Brian Sutton-Smith 1924-2015

Walter Drew

Vivian Paley 1929-2019

Debora Wisneski

Joe L. Frost 1933-2020

John Sutterby

Louise Derman-Sparks 1940-

Katie Kenya Wolff

Olivia Saracho 1942-

Edith Esparza& Matilde A. Sarmiento

Valora Washington 1953-

Vivien L. Geneser& Jerletha McDonald

Article 31

D. Reece Wilson

About the Contributors