Archive - Play Makes Us Human

Differences Between Self-Directed and Progressive Education*

Self-Directed and progressive education are often confused, but are very different in foundational principles and modes of operation.

3 hrs ago •

August 2025

Online Meeting for Paid Subscribers, Sept. 6

The topic will be "The Needs of Teenagers"

Aug 30 •

Follow-Up to Letters on ADHD

Here I describe the subjectivity of ADHD diagnosis; elaborate on why I see it as a personality dimension, not a disorder; and present an evolutionary…

Aug 29 •

Letter #89. On Being a Trustful, Autonomy-Supportive Parent

Here I describe eleven practices that characterize what I consider to be the ideal parenting style.

Aug 18 •

#88. Benefits, Null Effects, and Harmful Effects of ADHD Medications

Stimulants to treat ADHD apparently do not improve learning and can have serious harmful side effects.

Aug 9 •

#87. ADHD Is a Personality Trait, not a Disorder

ADHD, like other traits, is a problem in some contexts and not in others.

Aug 2 •

July 2025

#86. The Child’s Right to Play

What are the implications of Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child?

Jul 26 •

#85. What Good is Recess?

Here I review some of the many studies showing mental, physical and academic benefits of school recess.

Jul 21 •

Links to Audio Recordings of Zoom Meetings for Paid Subscribers.

Here are links for Feb, March, April, May, and July Meetings

Jul 14 •

#84. Schools Can and Should Be Places for Play

The origin, rationale, and experiences of Let Grow Play Club at schools

Jul 13 •

#83. Self-Directed Education: What Is It and How Does It Work?

And why is the time ripe now for this mode of education to take wings?

Jul 7 •

#82. How Schools Can Improve Kids’ Mental Health and Their Academic Performance

The reform we need is the opposite of Common Core; we need to create healthy school climates.

Jul 5 •

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