Play Anything

Play Anything
Author: Ian Bogost
Publisher: Basic Books
Total Pages: 290
Release: 2016-09-13
Genre: Science
ISBN: 0465096506

How filling life with play-whether soccer or lawn mowing, counting sheep or tossing Angry Birds -- forges a new path for creativity and joy in our impatient age Life is boring: filled with meetings and traffic, errands and emails. Nothing we'd ever call fun. But what if we've gotten fun wrong? In Play Anything, visionary game designer and philosopher Ian Bogost shows how we can overcome our daily anxiety; transforming the boring, ordinary world around us into one of endless, playful possibilities. The key to this playful mindset lies in discovering the secret truth of fun and games. Play Anything, reveals that games appeal to us not because they are fun, but because they set limitations. Soccer wouldn't be soccer if it wasn't composed of two teams of eleven players using only their feet, heads, and torsos to get a ball into a goal; Tetris wouldn't be Tetris without falling pieces in characteristic shapes. Such rules seem needless, arbitrary, and difficult. Yet it is the limitations that make games enjoyable, just like it's the hard things in life that give it meaning. Play is what happens when we accept these limitations, narrow our focus, and, consequently, have fun. Which is also how to live a good life. Manipulating a soccer ball into a goal is no different than treating ordinary circumstances- like grocery shopping, lawn mowing, and making PowerPoints-as sources for meaning and joy. We can "play anything" by filling our days with attention and discipline, devotion and love for the world as it really is, beyond our desires and fears. Ranging from Internet culture to moral philosophy, ancient poetry to modern consumerism, Bogost shows us how today's chaotic world can only be tamed-and enjoyed-when we first impose boundaries on ourselves.

The Last Lecture

The Last Lecture
Author: Randy Pausch
Publisher:
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2010
Genre: Cancer
ISBN: 9780340978504

The author, a computer science professor diagnosed with terminal cancer, explores his life, the lessons that he has learned, how he has worked to achieve his childhood dreams, and the effect of his diagnosis on him and his family.

What If Everybody Did That?

What If Everybody Did That?
Author: Ellen Javernick
Publisher: Marshall Cavendish
Total Pages: 40
Release: 2010
Genre: Juvenile Fiction
ISBN: 9780761456865

"Text first published in 1990 by Children's Press, Inc."

Would You Rather…?

Would You Rather…?
Author: Graham Hodson
Publisher: Rockwood Publishing
Total Pages: 52
Release: 2024-02-17
Genre: Games & Activities
ISBN:

Dive into the world of choices and dilemmas with "Would You Rather?", the book that invites you on an exciting journey of imagination and discovery. With a total of 450 questions, and perfect for people of all ages, each thought-provoking question is designed to challenge your mind, stir your soul, and ignite lively discussions. Whether you're a young adventurer eager to explore fantastical scenarios, a teenager contemplating the future, or an adult reflecting on life's myriad paths, "Would You Rather?" has something for everyone. Each question is a door to a new possibility, a crossroads where humor meets wisdom, and the everyday meets the extraordinary. From the fun and whimsical to the deep and thought-provoking, an amazing 450 individual dilemmas await you, offering a unique blend of entertainment, introspection, and conversation starters. "Would You Rather?" isn't just a book; it's a journey through the landscapes of our choices, a celebration of the diverse paths we take in life, and an invitation to understand ourselves and others better. It's ideal for breaking the ice at parties, bonding with family, or introspective solitary moments. So, are you ready to make your choices? Open the pages, and let the adventure begin!

The Infinite Playground

The Infinite Playground
Author: Bernard De Koven
Publisher: MIT Press
Total Pages: 207
Release: 2022-06-21
Genre: Games & Activities
ISBN: 0262543869

In his final work, a visionary game designer reveals how a surprising range of play-based experiences can unlock our imagination and help us capture the power of fun and delight. Bernard De Koven (1941–2018) was a pioneering designer of games and theorist of fun. He studied games long before the field of game studies existed. For De Koven, games could not be reduced to artifacts and rules; they were about a sense of transcendent fun. This book, his last, is about the imagination: the imagination as a playground, a possibility space, and a gateway to wonder. The Infinite Playground extends a play-centered invitation to experience the power and delight unlocked by imagination. It offers a curriculum for playful learning. De Koven guides the readers through a series of observations and techniques, interspersed with games. He begins with the fundamentals of play, and proceeds through the private imagination, the shared imagination, and imagining the world—observing, “the things we imagine can become the world.” Along the way, he reminisces about playing ping-pong with basketball great Bill Russell; begins the instructions for a game called Reception Line with “Mill around”; and introduces blathering games—Blather, Group Blather, Singing Blather, and The Blather Chorale—that allow the player's consciousness to meander freely. Delivered during the last months of his life, The Infinite Playground has been painstakingly cowritten with Holly Gramazio, who worked together with coeditors Celia Pearce and Eric Zimmerman to complete the project as Bernie De Koven's illness made it impossible for him to continue writing. Other prominent game scholars and designers influenced by De Koven, including Katie Salen Tekinbaş, Jesper Juul, Frank Lantz, and members of Bernie's own family, contribute short interstitial essays.

Scratch 3 Programming Playground

Scratch 3 Programming Playground
Author: Al Sweigart
Publisher: No Starch Press
Total Pages: 226
Release: 2021-01-19
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN: 171850022X

A project-filled introduction to coding that shows kids how to build programs by making cool games. Scratch, the colorful drag-and-drop programming language, is used by millions of first-time learners worldwide. Scratch 3 features an updated interface, new programming blocks, and the ability to run on tablets and smartphones, so you can learn how to code on the go. In Scratch 3 Programming Playground, you'll learn to code by making cool games. Get ready to destroy asteroids, shoot hoops, and slice and dice fruit! Each game includes easy-to-follow instructions with full-color images, review questions, and creative coding challenges to make the game your own. Want to add more levels or a cheat code? No problem, just write some code. You'll learn to make games like: Maze Runner: escape the maze! Snaaaaaake: gobble apples and avoid your own tail Asteroid Breaker: smash space rocks Fruit Slicer: a Fruit Ninja clone Brick Breaker: a remake of Breakout, the brick-breaking classic Platformer: a game inspired by Super Mario Bros Learning how to program shouldn't be dry and dreary. With Scratch 3 Programming Playground, you'll make a game of it! Covers: Scratch 3

What to Do When You Feel Like Hitting

What to Do When You Feel Like Hitting
Author: Cara Goodwin PhD
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Inc.
Total Pages: 50
Release: 2021-06-15
Genre: Family & Relationships
ISBN: 1638076731

Teach toddlers safe ways to express big feelings Toddlers are still learning how to speak, socialize, and understand their emotions. It's common for them to react with their hands when they get frustrated—but hitting is never okay. What to Do When You Feel Like Hitting helps toddlers understand why hitting is not allowed and shows them how to react to their feelings with actions that are safe and kind. This illustrated entry into no hitting books for toddlers features: Alternatives to hitting—Kids will learn how to use "gentle hands" to squeeze a stuffed animal when they feel upset, scribble a picture to get out their frustration, and practice taking deep breaths to calm down. A light touch—The language is kid-friendly and positive, encouraging toddlers to understand and communicate their feelings, not just keep their hands to themselves. Engaging illustrations—Big, beautiful pictures help kids see the ideas in action and keep their attention on the page. Get the best in no hitting books for toddlers with a storybook that helps them learn empathy and compassion.

Elevating Child Care

Elevating Child Care
Author: Janet Lansbury
Publisher: Rodale Books
Total Pages: 177
Release: 2024-04-30
Genre: Family & Relationships
ISBN: 0593736168

A modern parenting classic—a guide to a new and gentle way of understanding the care and nurture of infants, by the internationally renowned childcare expert, podcaster, and author of No Bad Kids “An absolute go-to for all parents, therapists, anyone who works with, is, or knows parents of young children.”—Wendy Denham, PhD A Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE) teacher and student of pioneering child specialist Magda Gerber, Janet Lansbury helps parents look at the world through the eyes of their infants and relate to them as whole people who have natural abilities to learn without being taught. Once we are able to view our children in this light, even the most common daily parenting experiences become stimulating opportunities to learn, discover, and connect with our child. A collection of the most-read articles from Janet’s popular and long-running blog, Elevating Child Care focuses on common infant issues, including: • Nourishing our babies’ healthy eating habits • Calming your clingy, fearful child • How to build your child’s focus and attention span • Developing routines that promote restful sleep Eschewing the quick-fix tips and tricks of popular parenting culture, Lansbury’s gentle, insightful guidance lays the foundation for a closer, more fulfilling parent-child relationship, and children who grow up to be authentic, confident, successful adults.

It's OK to Go Up the Slide

It's OK to Go Up the Slide
Author: Heather Shumaker
Publisher: TarcherPerigee
Total Pages: 386
Release: 2016-03-08
Genre: Family & Relationships
ISBN: 0399172009

When it comes to parenting, sometimes you have to trust your gut. With her first book, It’s OK Not to Share, Heather Shumaker overturned all the conventional rules of parenting with her “renegade rules” for raising competent and compassionate kids. In It’s Ok To Go Up the Slide, Shumaker takes on new hot-button issues with renegade rules such as: - Recess Is A Right - It’s Ok Not To Kiss Grandma - Ban Homework in Elementary School - Safety Second - Don’t Force Participation Shumaker also offers broader guidance on how parents can control their own fears and move from an overscheduled life to one of more free play. Parenting can too often be reduced to shuttling kids between enrichment classes, but Shumaker challenges parents to reevaluate how they’re spending their precious family time. This book helps parents help their kids develop important life skills in an age-appropriate way. Most important, parents must model these skills, whether it’s technology use, confronting conflict, or coping emotionally with setbacks. Sometimes being a good parent means breaking all the rules.

Would You Rather Book for Kids

Would You Rather Book for Kids
Author: Sunny Gecko
Publisher: Alakai Publishing LLC
Total Pages: 120
Release: 2021-01-30
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN:

Looking for a fun activity book that will make your whole family laugh-out-loud? Then this is the book for you! This book is full of funny scenarios and interesting "would you rather" questions. These "Would You Rather" questions appeals to the kids sense of adventure and silliness. You can play together with your whole family for tons of fun! Watching them trying to find the solutions in these crazy scenarios will be hilarious! It's a perfect book for game nights, traveling, get-togethers, parties, and just about any time you want to connect with friends and family! The book is suited for ages 5 years old and up. 'Would You Rather Book for Kids' includes: · 200 original and intriguing "would you rather" questions – 2 per page · A variety of situations such as: exciting and interesting, thought provoking, ridiculous and hilarious, and much more! · All questions are clean and family-friendly humor · Tons of engaging and conversation-starting questions! · Nobody wins and nobody loses, but everybody has a great time! Scroll up and click the BUY NOW button and enjoy the fun times with your friend and family!