Education Links
We’ve sourced the best books, researched the most interesting articles, and found other resources for you that shine a light on the importance of play and creativity in childhood.
Books on Creativity, Play, Education, and Parenting
Troublemakers: Lessons in Freedom from Young Children, by Carla Shalaby
The Power of Play, by David Elkind
Play: How it Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul, by Stuart Brown
Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life, by Peter Gray
The Hundred Languages of Children: The Reggio Emilia Experience in Transformation, 3rd Edition, edited by Carolyn Edwards and others, based on the work by Loris Malaguzzi
Working in the Reggio Way: A Beginner's Guide for American Teachers, by Julianne Wurm
Children’s Imagination: Creativity Under Our Noses, by Ursula Kolbe
The Art of Teaching Art to Children: In School and at Home, by Nancy Beal
Last Child in the Woods, by Richard Louv
Creative Confidence, by Tom and David Kelley
Change by Design: How Design Thinking Transforms Organizations and Inspires Innovation, by Tim Brown
Out of Our Minds: The Power of Being Creative, by Ken Robinson
How Children Learn, by John Holt
Story Making: The Maker Movement Approach to Literacy for Early Learners, by Michelle Compton and Robin Thompson
Learning in Public, by Courtney E. Martin
Creative Schools: The Grassroots Evolution That’s Transforming Education, by Ken Robinson
The Gesell Institute of Human Development Series, by Louise Bates Ames
Boys and Girls: Superheroes in the Doll Corner, by Vivian Gussin Paley
Between Parent and Child, by Dr. Haim G. Ginott
The Blessings of a Skinned Knee, by Wendy Mogel
The Childhood Roots of Adult Happiness, by Edward Hallowell
Articles on Play and Creativity
The Social and Cognitive Benefits of Play: Effects on the Learning Brain
Interview with Peter Gray: How lack of independent play is impacting children’s mental health
Research Finds Social and Emotional Learning Produces Significant Benefits for Students
SEL and Student Benefits: Implications for the Safe Schools/Healthy Students Core Elements
Natural Connections: Children, Nature, and Social-Emotional Development
Want Resilient and Well-Adjusted Kids? Let Them Play
How Art and Play Can Work Wonders for Your Child’s Development
Ten Skills Your Children Will Learn From the Arts
Childhood Creativity Leads to Innovation in Adulthood
If You Want your Children to Survive the Future, Send Them to Art School
How to Teach Your Kids to Love Art When You’re Not an Artist
Is the Art Room the New Playroom?
Five Ways Kids Learn at a Reggio Emilia Preschool
Creativity Tips That Make Practical Leaders Successful
Why Typical Preschool Crafts are a Waste of Time
How to Raise a Creative Child. Step One: Back Off
Why You Should Have a Childlike Imagination
Creativity Development in Early Childhood: The Role of Educators
Art Reduces Stress, Even if You Suck at It
The Scoop on Crafts vs. Art in Preschool
I Know it’s a Pain in the Butt, But We Have to Let Our Kids Get Messy
Why You Should Stop Tidying and Embrace the Mess
Most People are Secretly Threatened by Creativity
Six Ways to Become a More Creative Person
Visual & Audio Resources
TED TALK: Do Schools Kill Creativity? by Sir Ken Robinson
TED TALK: How to Escape Education’s Death Valley by Sir Ken Robinson