“With solid support from research and theory about development and learning, Hughes provides insight into and support for the seminal importance of play in children’s lives.”
“This book conveys the fundamental importance of play in the lives of children. I feel that professionals in-training need to examine play deeply with a textbook such as this.”
“Quite simply, this is the best text on play and development I have ever read. It was thought provoking while being reader-friendly at the same time. This work is very thorough and would be an excellent text for undergraduate or experienced in-service graduates.”
"This is one of the most inclusive books on play I have yet read."
A step by step resource for those wishing to study/teach Play. Theories surrounding historical contexts as well as explanations about the differences in play are easy to access and understand. Lots of practical suggestions at the end of each chapter. An invaluable resource.
Includes updates concepts about play and development
It is a complete and pedagogical text for the students. They could read it easily and work on the theory-to-practice boxes.
Excellent coverage of development through the lens of play. It is particularly useful that the analysis goes beyond the young child to cover adolescence and beyond.
Excellent resources included. Comprehensive
An excellent book from Hughes that provides students with clear and concise information. The emphasis of how play contributes to the holistic development of children was discussed in a variety of ways.
Particularly like chapter 6 - gender differences in play. This will be useful for debate in lectures
Very good book and good focus on different areas of children play and learning and their developmental processes
It's an easy read text which that covers broad areas of play in child development, theory and play types.
Hughes makes the links between children's play and development in a way that brings understanding that connects to practice.
I would offer this as a supplemental read for students. I thought the learning objectives were useful to give an overview of the chapter. Liked the issues for discussion at the end of the chapters.
An excellent overview of child development incorporating the key concept of play very effectively.
Although there were many practical suggestions concerned with supporting children`s play, a greater emphisis on theoretical positions would have been useful to ensure a more balanced text
The historical and theoretical viewpoints and the social benefits of play have been a useful read for students.
I am trying to find a book about play which would replace the Moyles, Excellence of Play and this book didn't suit this level. However I would refer to this book for the NC students.
We will be putting this on the reading list in the autumn when the module next runs. It includes perspectives which are not included in many of our other texts which are focussed on what occurs in the UK.