Young children -- The language of play -- Charlotte and Cinderella -- The first rungs of the ladder -- The invention of theater -- Looking for Peter Rabbit -- Frogs, kittens, and bad guys -- Before there was school, there were stories -- Big A and little a -- Anxious families, philosophical children -- The art of conversation -- Who owns the subject? -- Simon's story -- Proving what we know -- The subject was a puzzle piece -- Tom and jerry -- Pretenses and perceptions -- What if? -- Franklin in the blocks -- Musical chairs -- A letter from England.

"A Child's Work goes inside classrooms around the globe to explore the stunningly original language of children in their role-playing and storytelling. Drawing from their own words, Paley examines how this natural mode of learning allows children to construct meaning in their worlds, meaning that carries through into their adult lives. Proof that play is the work of children, this compelling and enchanting book will inspire and instruct teachers and parents as well as point to a fundamental misdirection in today's educational programs and strategies."--Jacket.

Available electronically via the Internet.

EBL purchased title.