Writing in The Nation, Dana Goldstein examines the role toys and gender play in the careers children pursue when they grow up. Boys who play with computer games and toys like Legos that encourage spatial reasoning are more likely to pursue technical careers, which offer higher salaries. Experts cited in the article encourage parents to expose girls and boys to the kind of play that fosters an interest in understanding how the world works. They also say schools need to emphasize real world examples in teaching science and math, which will engage both boys and girls. All kids love to play. Parents and teachers need to encourage the kind of play that will give them the most opportunities later in life.
