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Guiding us through these stories is Paley s gentle analysis, both in the form of her own reflections, and in a series of letters between herself and her teacher pen-pal in Taiwan, Yu-ching Huang. As Paley and Huang trade observations and anecdotes, a central theme emerges: that children often use fantasy play to demonstrate friendship, communality, and love. Paley and Huang s correspondence also provides a workshop model for teachers and parents how play should be understood and talked about, and how they can best support each other and the children in their care through the psychological, intellectual and social development that play provides. A delightful and wise meditation, "The Boy on the Beach"will inspire and encourage scholars, parents, and especially teachers in the trenches."
About the author
Vivian Gussin Paley (1929-2019) worked for nearly forty years as a preschool and kindergarten teacher and is the author of thirteen books about young children.
Summary
What can the richly imagined, impressively adaptable fantasy world of children tell us about childhood, development, education, and even life itself? This book explores the imagery, language, and lore of young children, asking the questions they ask of themselves.
