Children, Play, and Development
- Fergus P. Hughes - University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
"Quite simply, this is the best text on play and development I have ever read. It was thought provoking while being reader-friendly at the same time. This work is very thorough and would be an excellent text for undergraduate or experienced in-service graduates."
—L. Kathryn Sharp, The University of Memphis
A comprehensive look at children's play from birth to adolescence
Children, Play, and Development, Fourth Edition, discusses the relationship of play to the physical, social, intellectual, and emotional growth of the child. Author Fergus P. Hughes focuses on the historical, sociocultural, and ethological context of play; the role of development in play; and the wide range of theories that provide a framework for interpreting play.
The changes in this thoroughly updated Fourth Edition include new information on cultural differences in object play, a critique of experimental research on play across cultures, brain correlates of aggressive play in humans and animals, the development of the young child's ability to distinguish between reality and make-believe, computers in the classroom, the development of emergent literacy, and the impact of attachment on children's development.
Key Features
- Offers thorough coverage of theoretical perspectives on play, showing readers how theories contribute to a scientific understanding of play
- Provides an up-to-date review of the literature, with nearly half of the references new to this edition
- Includes a rich variety of pedagogical features that illustrate key points and help stimulate class discussions
- Presents Putting Theory Into Practice sections (two per chapter) that contain practical applications of theory and research
High-Quality Ancillaries
Instructor Resources, including PowerPoint slides, test questions, activities, a sample syllabus, teaching tips, and web resources, are available at http://studysites.sagepub.com/hughes4e/.
Some of the chapters are in support of teaching the EYS2110 module which focuses on promoting children's learning and the role of play. Some interesting parts on the cultural context of play, which students and I have found particularly vaulable. Many thanks.
This is a thoughtful and informative book, with a useful emphasis on how play contributes to development. It covers the whole age range from babies to adolescents, and a wide variety of play. Cultural considerations also feature strongly.
The book offered in depth knowledge and very updated research on play. The only thing missing was how this translates into the lives and work of teachers and how teachers actively work to support play in the classrooms.
An interesting book, but perhaps a little light on theory and research for third year level study. Nonetheless useful for students focusing on play.
interesting, easy read and on a topic very important to child development. very few books are dedicated to child play.issues on class discussion parts are very helpful in organising the lesson and also serve as a guide for students to study.
This book is valuable because it summarises concisely the essential child development knowledge that students need and grounds it in reality. It connects theory to practice and will help students to apply their knowledge when constructing play experiences or observing children at play. I liked the chapter that focuses on ethological and cultural perspectives
Excellent text recommended for purchase and review by graduate students.
A new themes that we are teaching throughout the undergraduate sport psychology curriculum. This book will also be of value to students on the PE degree.
Provides good background knowledge to students on early years courses.
Sample Materials & Chapters
Chapter 1 - Historical and Theoretical Viewpoints
Chapter 7 - Play in Special Populations