"Want to get your kids into college? Let them play!"

I love it when someone, especially a highly educated, professional someone with access to the media gets the word out about what I already know but wish that others did too.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/12/29/christakis.play.children.learning/index.html

I especially like the part where the authors write, "In fact, we wonder why play is not encouraged in educational periods later in the developmental life of young people -- giving kids more practice as they get closer to the ages of our students." My kids' school encourages lots of play. And non-violent communication. And student directed, authentic learning. And connection with the outside world. And healthy eating and living habits. All that plus they love going every morning which makes morning life much more peaceful for the parents.