Exploring Play for Early Childhood Studies
- Mandy Andrews - University of Worcester, UK
Winner of the 2013 Nursery World Awards!
This is a key text for all those studying for degrees and foundation degrees in early childhood, early years and related disciplines and for candidates on EYPS pathways. It takes the reader through a detailed exploration of the nature of play examining the features and the concepts of play. Guidance on the observation of children's play is included and the text encourages students to appreciate the value of play in development and in socialisation. Children's rights and the ownership of play are also covered. With interactive activities and case studies throughout, the text helps students to arrive at an understanding of their own practice in relation to play.
About the Early Years series
This series has been designed to support students of Early Years, Early Childhood Studies and related disciplines in popular modules of their course. Each text takes a focused look at a specific topic and approaches it in an accessible and user-friendly way. Features have been developed to help readers engage with the text and understand the subject from a number of different viewpoints. Activities pose questions to prompt thought and discussion and 'Theory Focus' boxes examine essential theory close-up for better understanding. This series is also applicable to EYPS candidates on all pathways.
Other titles in the series are Early Childhood Studies, Childhood in Society for Early Childhood Studies and Child Observation for the Early Years.
The way the material is set out in this book makes it appealing to new HE learners. The Activity Boxes are useful both as teaching aids and for learners to self study. Content is up-to-date and detailed. The chapter on observing play is very useful to students and experienced practitioners and makes them look at their practice in more detail.
This is a great book which provides an indepth and exciting view of the theories behind play.
Have already used the text with students with positive feedback
Excellent text and content with clear links between theory and practice. Interesting reading that prompts students to consider play learning and the curriculum in the wider context. Practical examples encourage discussion and further development. Invaluable text for students of all levels
Particularly useful chapter considering risk and play. Useful title for the Foundation Degree in Early Years.
This is a very valuable book on play that explains its benefits and creates a link with Children’s rights . Very easy to read and understand for students.
Another valuable resource for my students on both Further and Higher level courses. A very good book which I have placed on their reading lists. Many thanks to Sage Publications
Great book and beneficial for both early years and Playwork students
An essential book for trainees who are working within the early years setting. The chapter on observing play gives clear guidance on how to undetake such observations.
This is a really informative book combining different theoretical perspectives on play and will be recommended.
