Play Changes Everything: Lessons from Cas Holman’s Playful for Educators and Dreamers
Title: Playful: How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks Creativity
Author: Cas Holman
What it's About
In Playful, Cas Holman-renowned designer, educator and play-expert-makes a compelling case that play is not just for children but is vital for adults too. Holman argues we're all born with a "play voice" but as we grow up we learn to silence it in favor of productivity, deadlines and "getting things done." Cas Holman
She draws on history, psychology, art and design-thinking to show that free, open-ended play (with no obvious goal) can spark creativity, connection, resilience and joy. Google Books
Key Takeaways
Play rejuvenates the adult mind: Holman suggests that whether it's an impromptu dance in the kitchen, rearranging a room just because, or engaging in a tangential conversation with no agenda, these acts of free play reconnect us to wonder and insight. PenguinRandomhouse.com
Play aids creativity and innovation: For professionals, educators, creators and parents (like you!) she makes the point that play opens up failure, risk-taking and experimentation-key ingredients for innovation. Rigamajig
Play supports wellbeing and connection: It isn't frivolous. It's a meaningful tool for stress relief, for cultivating relationships and for reclaiming parts of ourselves we may have set aside. Porchlight Book Company
Play isn't defined by age or toy: Holman emphasises that what matters more than the medium (toy, game, art) is the mindset of "free play." The forms will vary by person. Cas Holman
My Overall Impression
This is a thoughtful, well-researched yet accessible book. Holman writes with clarity and invites the reader to re-learn how to play rather than simply prescribing activities. For someone deeply involved in early-childhood education, this provides both inspiration and a language to speak about play's significance in new ways.
If there's a critique, it might be that some readers looking for step-by-step "play activities" will need to adapt the ideas themselves (Holman emphasises mindset over recipe). But for a reflective educator, centre director, parent or professional who values creativity and growth, it's a very worthwhile read.
Recommendation
I'd recommend this book for:
Childcare center leaders, early-childhood educators and program directors (like you) who want to deepen their understanding of play.
Parents interested in nurturing more than just "fun" for their children-rather, who want meaningful play experiences.
Educators and professionals who have lost touch with their own creative/playful side and want to reboot it.
Anyone who believes that being intuitive, curious and flexible is valuable in life and work (which seems aligned with your values at Scribbles).
