To what extent do the toys that children play with affect their their attitudes and capabilities? Do boys' toys breed aggression while girls' toys breed passivity? Several noted psychologists address these questions, including Dr. Jerome Kagan and Prof. Howard Gardner of Harvard University, Prof. Bryan Sutton-Smith of the University of Pennsylvania, and Prof. Nancy Carlsson-Paige of Lesley College.

Our world has seen a dramatic change in the kinds of toys available to children. From the simple building blocks and stuffed toys of yesteryear, we now have battery operated toys that simulate reality, often violently, and computer operated games that challenge a child's skills. But do children really learn from such toys, or are the toys a prop for them to exercise their ability to control their world?

Child's play is child's work. This program airs divergent views of educators, from those who feel that natural materials like wood, stones and acorns are the only proper toys, to those who believe that a child's world should be full of complicated objects reflecting the real world.

"Stimulating addition to discussion of parenting issues." - Booklist
"Superb photography, quality production and the experts' insights make this video a standout for any educator interested in the significance of children's play." - Beverly Hardcastle Sanford, Ph.D Childhood Education

American Psychological Association, 1994