Unplugged Play

From the joy of smearing glue on paper to the screaming delight of a bubble-blowing relay, kids love to play. In fact, it's every kid's built-in tool for experiencing the world at large. A parent-friendly encyclopedia, UNPLUGGED PLAY ("A wonderful guide," says Daniel Goleman) offers hundreds and hundreds of battery-free, screen-free, chirp-and-beep-free games and fun variations that stretch the imagination, spark creativity, building strong bodies, and forge deep friendships...and keep kids busy at the table while mom or dad makes dinner. Bobbi Conner created the award-winning nationwide public radio series The Parents Journal and hosted the program for twenty-four years. She is a public radio journalist and writer. She's the author of The Giant Book of Creativity for Kids (Parents' Choice Recommended Seal) and Everyday Opportunities for Extraordinary Parenting. Conner's public radio program, audio interviews, books, and articles have been featured in USA Today, Newsweek, the Washington Post, Parade, Parents, Parenting, CBS This Morning and PBSParents.org. She lives in South Carolina.

  Preface: Play Matters: Why-and How-I Wrote This Book

Introduction: The Power of Play

•    Dare to Unplug

•    What's Wrong with Electronic Play?

•    How to Use this Book

Part 1: The Toddler Play (age 1 to 2)

•    Solo Play

•    Play Ideas for Parent and Child

•    Playing with Others

•    Birthday Party Play

Part 2: Preschool Play (age 3 to 5)

•    Solo Play

•    Play Ideas for Parent and Child

•    Playing with Others

•    Birthday Party Play and Large Group Games

Part 3: Grade School Play (age 6 to 10)

•    Solo Play

•    Play Ideas for Parent and Child

•    Playing with Others

•    Birthday Party Play and Large Group Games

Appendix 1: Family Game Night

•    What Goes on at Family Game Night?

Appendix 2: The Well-Stocked Toy Cupboards

•    The Toddler Toy Cupboard

•    The Preschool Toy Cupboard

•    The Grade School Toy Cupboard

Parent Planner

Index