Gender, Sex and Children's Play

Description

Review "Dedicated to the importance of play in children’s lives, Kilvington and Wood focus on how gender identity and sexuality are expressed in children’s play and how adults can most constructively respond. Reviewing the research on gender, they have a healthy skepticism toward the partial findings and biases that may distort the various conflicting assertions. One of the strengths of the book is the regular insertion of questions for the reader to consider. Although the context is British, American educators can learn from the examples and concerns the authors offer. The challenge is to consider how one’s own thinking and experience affect what one sees in children’s play. Respect for the unique experience of childhood shines through each of the writers’ points. Often underestimated, the value of children’s play is clearly demonstrated. As times change, ideas change. Adults need to observe carefully how children use the information that society gives them. Relatively brief, this is a book where reading the appendixes and the glossary is well worthwhile. Summing Up: Highly recommended: All readership levels." - S. Sugarman, Bennington College Read more Book Description A lively and thought-provoking text that looks at why and how children inhabit or develop their gender and sexuality. Read more See all Editorial Reviews