Peter Gray at the SF Public Library on October 2 6-7:30pm

In this talk Boston College Professor Peter Gray will define play as activity that contains the following five characteristics:  It is (1) self-chosen and self-directed; (2) motivated by means more than ends; (3) guided by mental rules; (4) imaginative; and (5) conducted in an alert, active, but non-stressed frame of mind.  He will explain how each of these characteristics of play contributes to play’s amazing educative power.  Play is nature’s way of ensuring that children will acquire not just the physical skills, but also the intellectual, social, and emotional skills essential for a successful, healthy, happy life.

See his Ted Talk here: The decline of play: Peter Gray at TEDxNavesink