The Play’s the Thing is a sheer joy to read and brim full of practical ideas for parents and teachers who strive to boost the confidence of children as think-for-themselves, can-do people. As a long-time teacher, I know that the routine use of “play-debrief-replay” transforms the learning environment from one of sit-still, meaningless tasks to one of experimentation, creativity and yes, powerful free play. This book is a teacher’s professional development of the highest order.

Gary Squire, retired teacher & principal, North Vancouver School District, former faculty associate, Professional Development Program, Simon Fraser University

Imagine a classroom environment where young learners’ choices, thoughts and feelings are respected, and where they are happily engaged in hands on, minds on play activities that develop self-direction, confidence, higher level thinking, knowledge, skills, creativity, and a love of learning. Who wouldn’t want this for the children in their lives? All of this can become a reality with thanks to the inspiring examples of rich play and supportive interactions modelled within this wonderful book. The Play’s The Thing is a must read for teachers and parents who dream of such learning opportunities for their children.

Cheryl MacDonald, Retired elementary teacher, Courtenay, British Columbia; teacher educator and educational consultant for play based learning, Simon Fraser University

Inspiring! Selma Wassermann’s wonderful book will leave teachers and parents motivated to create rich play experiences for the children in their lives and to interact with them in attentive, respectful, and thought-provoking ways. Full of examples of active, “minds on” and “hands on” inquiries and interactions that challenge thinking, it is no wonder that young learners become increasingly self-directed, confident, curious, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and skilled problem solvers who love to learn and create. I cannot recommend The Play’s The Thing highly enough. Every primary teacher needs to have a copy of this inspiring book.

Deborah J. Devine, Early Childhood Educator, Director of the Learning Palette Pre-School, Jamestown, North Carolina

For educators and parents, especially in these current times, it is of critical important that promoting intellectual and emotional development in early childhood is addressed. Interactions that promote a child’s sense of empowerment, increase their ability to think critically and problem solve is essential. Children acquire these important skills through play. Powerful and accessible examples of play activities, conditions and interactions necessary to promote this growth are offered. This book is a “must read for educators, parents and others committed to becoming more skilled in promoting children’s intellectual and emotional growth.

Maureen McAllister, teacher and elementary consultant, Vancouver School Board; faculty associate, Simon Fraser University (retired)