The design of childhood : how the material world shapes independent kids

Resource Information

The work The design of childhood : how the material world shapes independent kids represents a distinct intellectual or artistic creation found in San Francisco Public Library. This resource is a combination of several types including: Work, Language Material, Books.

Label

The design of childhood : how the material world shapes independent kids

Title remainder

how the material world shapes independent kids

Statement of responsibility

Alexandra Lange

Creator

• Lange, Alexandra

Author

• Lange, Alexandra

Subject

• Child development
• Play environments -- Design and construction
• Playgrounds -- Design and construction
• Toys -- Design and construction

Language

eng

Summary

"From building blocks to city blocks, an eye-opening exploration of how children's playthings and physical surroundings affect their development. Parents obsess over their children's playdates, kindergarten curriculum, and every bump and bruise, but the toys, classrooms, playgrounds, and neighborhoods little ones engage with are just as important. These objects and spaces encode decades, even centuries of changing ideas about what makes for good child-rearing--and what does not. Do you choose wooden toys, or plastic, or, increasingly, digital? What do youngsters lose when seesaws are deemed too dangerous and slides are designed primarily for safety? How can the built environment help children cultivate self-reliance? In these debates, parents, educators, and kids themselves are often caught in the middle. Now, prominent design critic Alexandra Lange reveals the surprising histories behind the human-made elements of our children's pint-size landscape. Her fascinating investigation shows how the seemingly innocuous universe of stuff affects kids' behavior, values, and health, often in subtle ways. And she reveals how years of decisions by toymakers, architects, and urban planners have helped--and hindered--American youngsters' journeys toward independence. Seen through Lange's eyes, everything from the sandbox to the street becomes vibrant with buried meaning. Perfect for parents, educators, and anyone interested in design and architecture, [this book] will change the way you view the world--by showing it to you through children's eyes."--Dust jacket

Cataloging source

PNX

Dewey number

711/.558

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

index present

Language note

Text in English

LC call number

GV425

LC item number

.L36 2018

Literary form

non fiction

Nature of contents

bibliography