American Academy of Pediatrics: The Power Of Play

URL: http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2018/08/16/peds.2018-2058?utm_sq=fuhp3ad6f4&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=alliance_for_the_advancement_of_infant_mental_health&utm_content=articles

“Play is not frivolous!” This is the first sentence of one of the introductory paragraphs of the August 2018 report on play by the American Academy of Pediatrics. In addition to providing a thoroughly documented overview of the nature and types of play, the report unpacks the effects of play on brain structure and functioning, benefits for children, benefits for adults, and implications for learning and development. Challenges and barriers to play, including media, are also chronicled. Although directed to pediatricians, this resource would be valuable to early childhood professionals in explaining the value of play to policy makers and families.