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Play in Early Childhood

From Birth to Six Years

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Based on the pioneering work of Mary D. Sheridan, Play in Early Childhood is a classic introductory text to play and development – key topics for all those who work with young children. Updated for a contemporary audience and fully evidence-based, it explains how children’s play develops and how they develop as they play.

With over eighty illustrations and observations of play from birth to six years, this new edition presents classical and contemporary literature, making clear links between play and all areas of children’s development. It includes activities to consolidate thinking and suggestions for further reading throughout. Play in Early Childhood considers:

  • the development, value and characteristics of play

  • issues relating to culture, adversity and gender

  • play from recreational, therapeutic and educational perspectives

  • the role of parents/caregivers and professionals in supporting play

Suitable for those new to the area or for more experienced workers wanting a quick reference guide, this easy-to-follow book meets the needs of students and professionals from a wide range of health, education and social care backgrounds, including early years professionals, playworkers, children’s nurses, speech and language therapists and social workers.

Table of Contents

Introduction 1. Theorising about play 2. Observing the development of children’s play 3. Variation in children’s play 4. Providing for play

Author/Editor Biography

Mary D. Sheridan was a renowned researcher in child development. She is also the author of From Birth to Five Years (Routledge, 2007).

Justine Howard is a chartered psychologist and developmental and therapeutic play specialist. She is a senior lecturer at Swansea University where she is responsible for a number of courses relating to play and child development.

Dawn Alderson is a senior academic tutor in the School of Human and Health Sciences at Swansea University where she teaches on postgraduate courses relating to play and creativity.

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