Play and Learning in the Early Years
From Research to Practice
- Pat Broadhead - Leeds Metropolitan University, UK
- Justine Howard - University of Swansea, UK
- Elizabeth Wood - University of Sheffield, UK
Early Childhood Education
By helping the reader to develop their understanding of the complex relationships between play and learning, this book examines current theoretical perspectives on play, alongside examples of recent and innovative play research from a range of disciplinary and methodological perspectives. With contributions from leading play scholars, it brings together theory, research, policy and practice in relation to play and learning in early years settings. The emphasis is on the relationship between play and learning, and play and pedagogy, and the need to understand these dimensions more substantially in order to teach with confidence.
Included are chapters on:
- the influence of play on thinking, problem-solving and creativity
- cooperative play and learning
- play, risk and outdoor learning
- learning to play in cultural context
There are chapter objectives, reflective points, reflective tasks and suggestions for further reading throughout, to facilitate critical thinking and encourage independent study. Suitable for early years practitioners, early childhood students at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and all those who work with and care for young children, this is an exciting and thought-provoking book.
I have used this book on my course Symbolic Behaviour because it encouraged my students to consider many of the layers and the contexts around children's symbolic behaviour.
An important addition to any student library. Accessible to Foundation Degree students, with useful case studies and reflections.
This engaging text, offers a range of perspectives on play. Case studies, reflective tasks and reflection points will help students to interact with the authors and enable them to make links between theory and practice.
A good practical guide, well laid out.
Great for our practitioners. Gives a simple overview of and explanation for different types of play...and demystifies the more 'problem' areas such as rough and tumble and risky play.
One of our Foundation Degree modules is on play and it's really good to have a book based around play in early years. Reflection points are useful as teaching points. Good case study examples. Useful further reading.
I found the book easy to read and enjoyed the variety within the different chapters.
This book is relevant to a specific module of study for the Foundation Degree Early Years. Easy to read and navigate, with practical examples relevant to current early years practice
A good text that links clearly to one of the mandortary units. Supports students to gain further understanding obn play and learning
More Welsh input - Fondation Phase rather than stage
