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



September 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

Excellent resource that is beneficial in the delivery of at least two units. Was in a language that students understood and found a useful resource for completing their assignments. This is a book that is an easy read and students found interesting to read. I certainly will be using this book alongside my teaching.

Mrs Pamela Canning
early , North West Institute
June 25, 2014

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
June 24, 2014

This book has been a useful addition for the module, Early Childhood Pedagogy. It gives the students a good overview of the perspectives around play and practical application of this.

Mrs REBECCA WALTERS
EDUCATION, University of Teesside
March 27, 2014

Good, clear explanations. Will be beneficial for students to use this book for the play module

Mrs Hayley Roberts
care, Wakefield College
February 28, 2014

This is an easy to read publication that is engaging and interesting. It is clearly laid out and would be beneficial for students wanting to gain a deeper understanding of play.

Ms Aoife Cooney
Business & Social Sciences, Sligo Institute of Technology
February 5, 2014

For those who are serious about investigating the world of childhood and the role of play, both from a child's perspective and academically, Exploring Play for Early Childhood Studies is essential reading. With a breadth of coverage and detailed analysis, there is no other place to start than this book.

Mrs Lynne Bedson
Institure of Health and Wellbeing, Coleg Llandrillo Cymru
January 16, 2014

Well laid out clearly organised with clear signposts for reviewing/revisiting the chapters. Some really helpful tables/charts which summarise some of the key points. It is so good to have such a detailed book on play when it is in danger of being marginalised as a result of political quest for outcomes. Some useful references to different theorists provide helpful prompts and signposts to further.

Mrs Janet Harvell
Centre for Early Childhood, Worcester Univ.
December 29, 2013

This text has been used for those students who are conducting a Major Study on Play in Early Years. The students have been asked to purchase a copy as a key text for their study.

Professor Frances Marsden
Sch of Education & Prof Development, Huddersfield University
November 22, 2013

Other books are better.

Mr Ben Tawil
Child Family and Society, Glyndwr University
November 13, 2013

Fantastic and informative book especially for newcomers and students. Definitely an essential reading for the students.

Mrs Havva Oykener
CARE and Education, Leyton Sixth Form College
October 23, 2013

Mandy Andrews

Mandy Andrews is a senior lecturer in Early Childhood at the University of Worcester on both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Formerly a Play Officer for a local authority she has a range of children’s play experience from running an adventure playground and environmental play activities, through to community play projects and running a large Children’s Centre in Cornwall before moving to the University of Worcester. Mandy has also been a playwork trainer for many years supporting programmes in Buckinghamshire, Reading, and Cornwall. She has undertaken research into children’s play in early years settings, outdoors and at the... More About Author

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ISBN: 9780857256850
£30.99

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