Thomas Armstrong On Playfulness

Dr. Thomas Armstrong has done some remarkable work on Theories of Multiple Intelligence, but it is in his description of playfulness, from Awakening Genius, that he reveals the heart of his innovative and extremely valuable perspective on the life of the mind:

"Playfulness...extends far beyond the kindergarten. It's really an attitude toward life that informs the behavior of the 4th grader who dances his way into the classroom as well as the playful manipulations of an l1th grade 'wise guy.' Teachers sometimes mistakenly think they're bringing play into the classroom by having kids play 'games.' Ironically, the formal rules and competitiveness of structured games often force playfulness into hiding. Playfulness is more likely to come up unexpectedly during the classroom day-for example, in the middle of a geometry lesson (the kid who starts walking around the room in a triangle pattern), while lining up to go to the lunchroom (the student who mimics the gruff lunchroom lady), or during sustained silent reading (the kids who create a 'burping' symphony). When truly valued as an important component of students' genius, playfulness can find its way into many parts of the school day in an appropriate way."