The slow but steady shift from play to academics may seem harmless in its increments, but it has negatively affected children's curiosity, creativity, social skills, self-regulation, problem-solving skills, knowledge of the world, and so much more. And let's not forget about fun. The rush through childhood and the rush through academics are sucking the fun out of childhood quicker than a five-year-old can suck the filling out of a Twinkie.
- Jeff A. Johnson and Denita Dinger, Let Them Play