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Play, Learning and the Early Childhood Curriculum
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Play, Learning and the Early Childhood Curriculum

Third Edition


March 2013 | 208 pages | SAGE Publications Ltd
The Third Edition of this popular book reflects contemporary research as well as thinking about the role and value of play in learning and development, within and beyond early childhood. The author explores recent developments across international contexts which endorse play, and argues for critical engagement with some aspects of policy discourse in how 'educational play' is constrructed. This accesible book also reviews contemporary theoretical trends which focus on the meanings and intentions that children bring to their play.

The new edition includes coverage of:

- play in education policies; UK and international perspectives

- working with parents

- social and cultural diversity

- children with special educational needs and disabilities

- outdoor play

Each chapter includes case studies provided by practitioners, along with questions and tasks to promote critical engagement and reflection on key issues and debates.

This book is for students on Childhood Studies courses and those on Initial Teacher Education and Masters programmes in early childhood and primary education. Experienced practitioners on CPD courses will also find it useful.

 
List of figures
 
About the Author
 
Preface
 
A Note from the Author
 
Add-on Material
 
Understanding Play: Complexity and Challenge
 
Understanding Children's Learning: Contemporary Theoretical Perspectives
 
Play in National Policies: International Perspectives
 
Play and the Curriculum
 
Play and Pedagogy
 
Play and Learning in Outdoor Environments
 
Assessing Children's Learning in Play
 
Developing Play
 
Appendix
 
Bibliography
 
Author index
 
Subject index

'Students find this book accessible and valuable for both undergraduate and postgraduate levels'
-Lecturer's comments

'Liz Wood has given us an essential, thoughtful and engaging book which contributes to the discourse of early years pedagogy. The book is a speculative work that offers ways of thinking and a fresh perspective about play by engaging with theory and practice as they are interrelated in the reality of early years pedagogy. This book situates play in the centre of early years pedagogy and deals with the debates around learning, curriculum, assessment and policy, not only through a lucid discussion of play, but also through highly effective and moving examples of play situations in practice'
-Dr Ioanna Palaiologou, The University of Hull


Very useful for those doing modules linked to early years practice and provision.

Mrs MINE TANA
HESC Office, Barnet College
September 4, 2016

Very suited to the course outline and practical

Mrs Terrie A Blaszczyk
Education Department, Roehampton University
November 5, 2015

An excellent book for anyone studying a foundation degree in early childhood studies. The author offers an in-depth exploration on the impact of play on children's learning and development. Concepts of play are discussed in detail.

Mrs MINE TANA
HESC Office, Barnet College
October 14, 2015

This book is easy to access and has an interesting mix of activities, case studies, diagrams and examples of children's work. It will be extremely useful for the Play, Learning and Development module.

Mrs Claire Pescott
Dept of Care & Continuing Education, Ystrad Mynach College
July 1, 2015

An accesible book which gives a good underpinning to play and suporting it in the curriculum.

Mrs Louise Atkins
School of Education & Training, Greenwich University
June 22, 2015

An excellent book which provides detail on play, the impact on learning and the relevance to early childhood curriculae. This book supports students who are exploring the issues of play, pitched at level 3 and beyond. Very informative and easy to read.

Mr Joe Murdoch
Childhood Studies, Isle of Wight College
August 21, 2015

Comprehensive and timely book for all early years courses. Highly recommended.

Mrs Nicola Stobbs
Institute of Education, Worcester University
June 18, 2015

A useful and up-to-date overview of one of the most important facets of early years learning.

Dr Hazel Wright
Education, Anglia Ruskin University
May 19, 2015

This text would be useful within the module where Play is an essential part of the teaching.

Michelle Harris
Early Years, Gloucestershire College
April 17, 2015

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Paperback
ISBN: 9781849201162
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