Go Play - by Kate Allen Fox & Gennie Gorback (Paperback)

About the Book

We live in a society that undervalues play, but open-ended play is a key building block for children's well-being. Part urgent call and part friendly guide, this book is full of easy and meaningful strategies for encouraging children to play, fueling parents with the knowledge and confidence to create a culture of play at home and on the go.

Book Synopsis

Why the best thing for your kids is also the most fun!

We live in a society that undervalues play. Increasingly, children lead regimented lives that include commuting, school, and extracurriculars, with little time for the play and exploration that allow them to develop emotionally, socially, and believe it or not, academically. Among many other benefits, open-ended play, more than any other activity, has been shown to improve children's confidence, agency, literacy development, social and emotional skills, and problem-solving abilities. Play quite literally changes the structure of the brain and is a key building block for children's social and emotional well-being. And it's fun!

When our children build their own worlds through play, they develop their brains, learn new skills, and increase emotional regulation. Our kids are already primed to play and learn. All we have to do is let them.

For parents who want to build more open-ended play into their children's lives but aren't sure where to start, Go Play is part urgent call and part friendly guide. Coauthored by play advocate and early childhood education expert Gennie Gorback and award-winning children's author Kate Allen Fox--both parents themselves, who facilitate their children's play on a daily basis--this book is packed full of easy and meaningful strategies and ideas. Steeped in research but still accessible, Go Play provides loads of helpful tips and tricks for encouraging kids to play, fueling parents with the knowledge and confidence to create a culture of play at home, in the car, at parks, restaurants, waiting rooms, or anywhere else.

Armed with the knowledge in this book, parents will see how play can unlock many wonderful possibilities--and unexpected joys--for their families. Because there's no such thing as "just play." Play isn't just anything; it is everything.

Review Quotes

"Decades ago, when even small kids had more outdoor freedom and more kids were around, it was relatively easy for children to 'go play.' Today it often takes more initiative and effort for parents to enable and encourage play. Go Play is packed with great ideas and ways to enable children's play without controlling it or interfering with it. I recommend the book to all parents--and grandparents, too--of young children." --Peter Gray, research professor and author of Free to Learn

"At its heart, Go Play is a love letter to parents, not only from the authors but from the supporting cast of characters assembled, interviewed, and included in its pages, who present how and why free play is vital to the healthy growth and development of children. I hope Go Play finds its way into the hands of parents, childcare providers, teachers, grandparents, and anyone else who spends time with young children." --Lisa Murphy, M.Ed., early childhood specialist, author, and founder of Ooey Gooey, Inc.

"Go Play is not only chock-full of excellent information about the purpose of play and play strategies, but it is also brimming with joy and love. Love for all children. Love for all caretakers. Love for enriching all lives through play." --Malcolm Newsome, children's author and father of five

"Gorback and Fox's book provides a road map for me to see my kids more holistically--recognizing what types of play they're naturally drawn to, how 'loose parts' (including friends!) transform their experiences, and what role I can play in supporting them. Reading Go Play felt like putting on glasses for the first time: Suddenly, I could see endless opportunities for play, learning, and growth right in my own home and backyard! --Julia Sachdev, parent and CFO (chief family officer)

"Go Play is a must-read for any educator or parent/caregiver looking to broaden their perspective and foster deeper understanding of the purpose of play. It's an essential tool for readers who want to provide young children with the opportunity to discover their boundless creativity and imagination." --Vera Ahiyya, educator and author of numerous books, including KINDergarten: Where Kindness Matters Every Day; Getting Ready for Kindergarten: A First Day of School Book; and You Have a Voice

"As an advocate for more free play in the early years, I often say that the key is to get parents on board. Whether at home or in a childcare setting, children need to PLAY! Gennie Gorback and Kate Allen Fox share this commitment and have written a powerful book that will help children and their important adults find ways to include joyful, active, creative play in their daily lives. What a gift!" --Heather Bernt-Santy, MA Ed, early childhood professor, podcaster, and author

"Research consistently shows that the strongest foundation for children's future academic and personal success comes not from pushing academics early, but from the rich skills they develop through play. Go Play explains in warm, down-to-earth language how what may look like frivolous activity is actually laying the groundwork for confidence, self-motivation, and lifelong learning. With practical guidance on setting up environments, recognizing your child's joyful preferences, and supporting their natural curiosity, this book is both reassuring and inspiring." --Tony Christopher, executive director, National Institute for Play