Product Description In this fascinating look at the moral dimensions of the classroom, MacArthur Prize-winning educator Paley introduces a new rule--"You can't say you can't play"--to her kindergarten students. "Explores how to keep students from being ignored by their classmates."--Publisher's Weekly. Line illustrations.
You cant say you cant play by Colleen Davis November 24, 2008 In the book, You Can't Say You Can't play, Author Vivian Paley explores the social dynamics and caste systems created by her own Kindergarten class. Paley, a 37 year veteran teacher, has become quite accustomed to the verbal slap heard too many times, "No, you cant play with us." Tired of seeing students hide in cubbies, withdrawn and tearful exits, Paley with her students help, explores the Land of the Tall Pines and the fairness of the new rule. Paley uses a constructivist approach and fictional stories to discuss in detail interactions between "the bosses, the rejected, and those caught in the middle." With the help of her students, Paley wishes to create a utopian classroom where students are asked to play rather than rejected from games.
Great idea, but went awry in Magpie Land.... November 15, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book was an eye-opener for me. I would recommend it to other educators who are noticing certain children being ostracized or ignored. Afterall, who wouldn't want all children to feel included in their class? Unfortunately, because of these good intentions we may have also unknowingly put more focus onto the alienated child. In the future, I will use this question as a springboard for discussion about playground etiquette to hopefully guide them to inclusive play outside of the class. I began reading this book with high expectations and overall the explanation/examples were helpful. However, as for Magpie and the other fantasy friends, my interest was lost and I found that it was harder to digest than the overall story itself. So, other than those vignettes, the book was a decent read.
A very helpful book November 5, 2008 I enjoyed reading this book as it gave me a tremendous amount of insight in to the world of my own Kindergarten daughter, who at the tender age of 5 is facing being left out by her peers. I really enjoyed the analysis by Ms. Paley of the play behavior of her kids and and the older grades.
Unfortunately I could not sustain interest in the Magpie story, but that may just be my own disinterest in fairy tales.
Great Book by a Great Lady July 1, 2007 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
This book shows the heart and soul of the great Vivian Paley who I had the pleasure of meeting when she visited our graduate school class this spring. You'll find insight not only into the child's mind and how children can be educated, but how children (and as they grow to be adults) are damaged by exclusion. An inspiration for this Ph.D. student.
Loved it! February 28, 2005 5 out of 9 found this review helpful
This book expresses what many of us know inherently, but Paley finds a way to say it, to bring it into your conscience, and to do it with a lyricism that is her writing "voice." It makes me wish she were my Kindergarten teacher...well, not really, since I still love my dear Mrs. Shabay and Miss Reezak!
If you're a teacher or a parent, the focus is on what is important about play, and most especially, the KINDS of play kids engage in. Makes me want to set up a "dress up" room in my house - - and I don't even have kids yet!
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