This indispensible guide uses a unique glossary format to explore some of the key themes in play in early childhood, many of which regularly arise for students, tutors, parents and practitioners. As well as covering key concepts, theories and influential figures in the field, the book considers important aspects of each construct and highlights the complexity of play in early childhood. Each section of the book:Outlines key aspects of a construct in relation to play Includes a wide range of referencesSummarizes research from an international perspective Offers insights from other well known figures with expertise in playThis book takes the stance that play is vital to children's holistic development, self-efficacy and well-being and that play, and playful learning and teaching, is the essential ingredient in order for children to develop enthusiastic dispositions to learning. This positive view of play draws on the author's extensive experience and observations of children playing in preschool settings, early years classrooms, out in the park and in different home situations. This essential reference book is vital reading for all those working and playing with young children and students on early childhood courses.“Janet writes in a brilliantly authoritative style as she draws in research and researchers who surround quite contentious and complex issues. This is a scholarly text and is to be trusted.”Dr Kathy Goouch, Reader in Education, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK“In this fascinating and engaging text, Janet Moyles does not attempt to define play...This text will be invaluable to early childhood students and practitioners and to all those interested in extending their thinking about play.”Professor Trisha Maynard, Director, Research Centre for Children, Families and Communities, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK“This book certainly works a useful dictionary to remind us of what (for example) ‘epistemic play'means, but I would advise readers to approach it more playfully... The imaginative use of photographs to illustrate entries, combined with illustrative examples, helps to make distinctions between the different types/aspects of play, and unobtrusive referencing is available for those who have been inspired to pursue particular interests further.”Dr Jan Georgeson, Research Fellow in Early Education Development, Plymouth University, UK“Janet's brilliant idea - coupled with her characteristic meticulous application - has provided early childhood education and care with a rich treasure trove: a book to use for reference, as a starting point for reflection, a spark for debate and, importantly, a reiteration of the central role of play in the lives of children.”Tricia David, Emeritus Professor, Canterbury Christ Church University, UK

Moyles, Janet R

McGraw-Hill Education

United Kingdom and Ireland, United Kingdom

Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, 2012

1, 2012

x,175 pages ; 23 cm
The key themes in play are explored through an A -- Z approach covering key concepts, theories / theorists, and figures. Rather than conventional chapters, there are brief sections outlining the main areas under any particular letter of the alphabet (the length dependent on the potential content for that letter). Topics range from baby play to holistic learning to kinaesthesia and therapy. This is a fun book which would be very useful on courses attempting to introduce students to all aspects of young children's play. A further feature of the book is that some well known early years people (e.g. Profs Tricia David, Carol Aubrey, Angela Anning, Lilian Katz etc) have agreed to write a very few original thoughts identifying their own passion and interest for a particular aspect of play or a particular influence in their lives
Includes bibliographical references and indexes

2023-06-28