Description
Using both contemporary and classic research, Smith examines how different age groups and sexes participate in a wide variety of play, including exercise and rough-and- tumble play, fantasy play and imaginary friends, and play with objects. The book gauges the function of play in early childhood education and makes the case for and against recess breaks in school. How play occurs in different societies and among various populations - including children with special needs - is also explored.
With its comprehensive coverage of theoretical, historical, cross-cultural, and evolutionary perspectives, Children and Play holds significant insights for parents, educators, and clinicians.
About the Author
Peter K. Smith is Professor of Psychology and Head of the Unit for School and Family Studies at Goldsmiths, University of London. He is co-author of Understanding Children's Development and co-editor of The Blackwell Handbook of Childhood Social Development and of The Nature of Play: Great Apes and Humans. He has written widely on children's play, especially pretend play training, and rough-and-tumble play.
Reviews
"In his new book Understanding Children's Worlds: Children and Play, Smith brings his considerable expertise to a wide range of issues. . . Overall, this volume provides a readable summary of the current research and theory on children's play, and it would be an excellent textbook or supplementary reading for an undergraduate or graduate class on child development, social development, or children's play." (American Journal of Play, 2011)
Book Information
ISBN 9780631235224
Author Peter K. Smith
Format Paperback
Page Count 272
Imprint Wiley-Blackwell
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 408g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 150mm * 10mm
