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Exploring Play for Early Childhood Studies
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Exploring Play for Early Childhood Studies



November 2012 | 216 pages | Learning Matters
This accessible and focused text for early childhood studies and early years students takes the reader through a detailed exploration of the nature of play. It begins by examining definitions of play and supports students to understand some of the key concepts of play. It goes on to consider the benefits of play, creativity and risk and the contexts for play. The final section considers children's rights and the adult role in the facilitation of play. Interactive activities and theory focus features are included throughout, helping students to arrive at an understanding of their own practice in relation to play.

 
Introduction
 
PART ONE - WHAT IS PLAY?
 
Identifying features of play
 
Understanding concepts of play
 
Historical perspectives and principles
 
Observing play
 
PART TWO: THE BENEFITS OF PLAY
 
The value of play in child development
 
Play and social development
 
Play, creativity and risk
 
Contexts for play
 
PART THREE: CHILDREN'S RIGHTS AND THE OWNERSHIP OF PLAY
 
The ownership of play: Play space, play cues and play actions
 
Developing a Pedagogy for Play
 
Conclusion: Play IS for life, not just for nursery

'An engaging read which prompts thought about the fundamental nature and importance of play'
- Nursery World


This book is not relevant to discipline-based music education.

Dr Mignon Van Vreden
Music , North-West University
drupal

A very timely subject given the renewed emphasis on the state of play in childhood. It is an accessible text with a range of useful activities to encourage students to engage with the many ideas presented on play.

Dr Patricia Giardiello
Education Department, Liverpool Hope University
drupal

This is a great book which provides an indepth and exciting view of the theories behind play.

Miss Johanne Child
early years, Wakefield College
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Very useful reference text for students and will be referenced in lectures for students to be aware of as a useful resource to supplement other texts in Early Education and care training.

Miss Kate Mc Auliffe
Childcare, Cork College of Commerce
drupal

Excellent case studies and points for discussion. Ideal for education students studying early years play.

Miss Rebecca Bolan
Dept of Psychology, Kingston University
drupal

Other books are better.

Mr Ben Tawil
Child Family and Society, Glyndwr University
drupal

This is an excellent basic text for students commencing on a course of study where play is the main component.

Mr David Stonehouse
Faculty Of Health, Edge Hill University
drupal

Clearly set out and easy to read. The activities and diagrams enhance the reader's learning experience.

Mrs Amanda Thomas
Education, Glamorgan University
drupal

A useful text for Foundation degree students which captures the value of play within the sector. Students study a Value of Play module where this text will be suitable to support wider reading and research.

Mrs Caroline Guard
School of Applied and Health Sciences, Farnborough College of Technology
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