Play Resources Hub

Play Advocate Organizations

Reference Articles: Why Play Matters

  • “Best Play: What Play Provisions Should Do for Children”
    (National Playing Fields Association, PLAYLINK, Children’s Play Council, 2000)
    A foundational guide on what quality play opportunities look like and why they matter. Read article here (pdf).

  • “Seeing Children” – Deb Curtis, Exchange Magazine (Nov/Dec 2008)
    A clear reminder that being present with children helps us truly “see” them and understand their thinking. Includes “A Thinking Lens for Reflective Teaching (or Parenting).” Read article here (pdf).

  • “Play: The Work of Lev Vygotsky”, CDM Child Development Media
    Overview of Vygotsky’s theories on imaginative play and a related DVD.

  • “Assessing and Scaffolding Make-Believe Play” – Deborah J. Leong & Elena Bodrova, Young Children, NAEYC (2012). Read article here (pdf).

Audio & Video: Why Play Matters

Stuart Brown, M.D.
TED Talk “Play Is More Than Just Fun” — why play is essential for children and adults.

Peter Gray, Ph.D.
TEDx Talk “The Decline of Play” — research on shrinking play opportunities and rising anxiety in children.

The LEGO Foundation
It’s Why Play Matters website and videos provide clear examples of the why’s and how’s of play.

Defending the Early Years (DEY)
Mini-Documentary “The Miraculous Nature of Everyday Play” “discuss the threat to play. DEY resources also include “Guidance for Supporting Young Children Through COVID-19”, “Young Children in the Digital Age - A Parents Guide” as well as a statement regarding creating “just and equitable early childhood education for Black children. Included is a web portal link to Talking About Race.

The Raising of America
Documentary series on how family stress and poverty impact children's learning and health.

The Beginning of Life
2016 film on early brain development and the importance of responsive caregiving.

Fred Rogers (Mister Rogers)
American children's television host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood excerpts from 1994 & 1997 Fred Roger's interviews with Charlie Rose "Remembering Mister Rogers".  Fred Roger's on Parenting Interview in 2002 with Diane Rehm about The Mister Rogers' Parenting Book. Fred Rogers Induction into the Hall of Fame in 1999 epitomizes his connection with and compassion for children and his reflections what really matters in life. 

Erika Christakis
 A PBS "Connections" interview with Erika (April 8, 2016) talks about how children learn through play.  Interview with Erika on The Diane Rehm Show (February 10, 2016) speaks to the "mismatched expectations" by adults that is causing distress for children

Bev Bos
YouTube "Plays Place in Learning" is a short introduction to why play matters and followed by a video "Starting at Square One" of the importance of childhood.

Life Is Good Playmakers
"Why We Do It" gives explanatory information about ACE's and their "Greatness" video provides an animated depiction of why play matters.

Books About Why Play Matters

A curated selection of recommended reading:

  • The Ambiguity of Play – Brian Sutton-Smith

  • Babies in the Rain – Jeff A. Johnson

  • Balanced and Barefoot – Angela J. Hanscom

  • The Case for Make-Believe – Susan Linn

  • Children at Play: An American History – Howard P. Chudacoff

  • Children’s Play: The Roots of Reading – Zigler, Singer, Bishop-Josef (Eds.)

  • A Child’s Work: The Importance of Fantasy Play – Vivian Gussin Paley

  • Developmentally Appropriate Play – Gaye Gronlund

  • Free Range Kids – Lenore Skenazy

  • Free to Learn – Peter Gray

  • The Genius of Play – Sally Jenkinson

  • The Hundred Languages of Children – Edwards, Gandini, Forman (Eds.)

  • Insights and Inspirations from Reggio Emilia – Gandini, Etheredge, Hill (Eds.)

  • The Importance of Being Little – Erika Christakis

  • Last Child in the Woods – Richard Louv

  • Magic Trees of the Mind – Marion Diamond & Janet Hopson

  • Mind in the Making – Ellen Galinsky

  • Play and Social Justice – Olga Jarrett et al. (2023)
    – includes a chapter by Cape Cod Toy Library Founder Deb Willsea

  • Playful Parenting – Lawrence J. Cohen

  • Play: How It Shapes the Brain… – Stuart Brown, M.D.

  • Play = Learning – Dorothy Singer et al.

  • Play: The Foundation of Children’s Learning – Lisa Murphy

  • Powerful Interactions – Dombro, Jablon, Stetson

  • The Power of Play – David Elkind

  • Really Seeing Children – Deb Curtis

  • Reclaiming Childhood – William C. Crain

  • Ready to Learn – Ann Burke

  • Together We’re Better – Bev Bos