A History of Children's Play and Play Environments

This book explores the history of children's play and play environments, informing where we are today and why we need to re-establish play as a priority. Ultimately, the author proposes active solutions to the current state of play deprivation.

Joe L. Frost is the Parker Centennial Professor Emeritus, University of Texas.

Introduction 1. Early Historical Views On Children's Play 2. Play and Play Environments in Early America 3. The Early Child-Saving Movement: Shame of the Cities 4. The Evolution of the Play and Playground Movement 5. Play and the Child Study Movement: Nursery Schools, Kindergartens, and the Developmental Approach to Play 6. Play during Hard Times: The Great Depression 7. Natural, Built, and Adventure Play Environments: Back To Nature 8. The Value of Play and the Consequences of Play Deprivation 9. Toward a Contemporary Child Saving Movement