Circus City PLAE Score: A Thematic Play and Learning Program for Children of All Ages
Goltsman, Susan M. and McIntyre, Sally and Driskell, David (1994).
Berkeley: MIG Communications; 127 pages. $14.95. ISBN 0944661076.
PLAE (Play and Learning in Adaptable Environments) is a well- established non-profit group based in Berkeley, California. These two titles form part of a trilogy designed to facilitate the play and development of children, regardless of physical ability. They are described by Susan Goltsman and her co-authors as 'unique, fun and easy-to-use curriculum guides' for use by teachers, park and recreation professionals, and others involved in children's programs.
A PLAE score is described as 'an orchestrated set of children's activities based around a theme,' and as such, these books follow a standard format in developing the themes of Circus City and Treasure Quest.
By way of introduction, the authors identify the many ways in which the PLAE scores can be integrated into formal and informal education and recreation programs. Considerable emphasis is placed on the opportunities provided for children of all abilities and specific guidance is given to ensure that children with special needs are enabled to be fully involved.
The program is presented as a set of clearly-defined units, including an explanation of the activities and the time and materials required to complete each stage. Moreover, guidance is given in such organizational matters as the nature of the venue, number of children participating, and staffing requirements. Illustrations and templates are included to aid the production of props.
There are many reasons for recommending these publications, not the least of which is that, while I cannot claim to have personally tested them with-children (although the authors do), it is evident that in practice, these books would surely achieve their stated objectives of providing a great deal of fun for both children and adults.
It is therefore with some hesitation that I offer a suggestion for inclusion in any future additions to the series which, I hasten to add, may reflect a somewhat parochial but quite urgent concern of many adults in the United Kingdom. Both publications include comprehensive lists of the materials required, together with suggestions of sources from which they may be scrounged. The lists inevitably contain some materials which, unchecked or inappropriately used or stored, could prove hazardous. In furtherance of the excellent objectives of these manuals, perhaps some instruction could be included to enable adults to recognize and deal with these risks constructively so that they can educate children in ways of handling such materials safely.
Still, one can only congratulate PLAE for a unique development -the production of materials which not only link play and learning but provide a resource for those working in both the formal and informal education sectors. While I trust that play workers will use and enjoy these manuals, I would implore teachers also to do so, as PLAE scores offer one of the most innovative ways yet seen of enhancing play and learning for children in school.
Reviewer Information