pt. 1. Sources of play. Domesticity: Houses and castles ; Housekeeping ; Family relationships ; Family tensions ; Animal families
Scary stuff: Chasing, catching, escaping ; Catastrophes ; Death
The environment: Holes and rocks ; Creatures ; Weather
The curriculum: "Long ago and far away"
pt. 2. Aspects of play. "Wishful thinking:" Changes in childhood ; Education and democracy ; The habits of democracy ; Habits of mind
Laws, rules, and understandings: Natural and social laws ; Fairness ; Tradition and lore ; Playing and reality ; Observing play ; Children initiating rules ; Emotional safety ; Children as observers ; Establishing a playground culture
Playing games: On the hardtop ; The games ; Choices ; Competition ; Physical exertion
Age, gender, and race: Age and gender ; Sex, sexism, and race
Influence of the media: TV, comics, toys, films, and video games: Popular media ; Limited direct effect of media influence ; Influence of the observer ; Violence ; School values
Epilogue: Wondering about the future
Appendix A: Mission Hill School, a Boston pilot school
Appendix B: The Mission Hill newsletter.