Review of the first edition
"a fine and refreshing collection of articles… Each chapter is integratedclosely with the others, [making] The Excellence of Playeasy to dip intoas well as presenting readers with the opportunity to read in more detailabout aspects of play theory in practice that particularly interest them…This is exactly the kind of practical information and structure thatteachers need." - BERJ

"the book is highly recommended for both students and practitioners who are interested in developing their understanding of play in early childhood."
Early Years journal

This second edition of The Excellence of Playencapsulates all of themany changes that have taken place in early childhood in the last decade.It examines the vital importance of play as a tool for learning and teachingfor children and practitioners, supporting all those who work in earlychildhood education and care in developing and implementing the highestquality play experiences for young children.All the contributors are experts in their fields and all are passionate aboutthe excellence of play. While the importance of curriculum andassessment is retained and extended, this edition features many newcontributions, including:

• Children as social and active agents in their own play
• More background to current research on play theory and practice
• Practitioners’ roles in play and adults’ enabling of play
• Links with the Foundation Stage (including legislation and policy)
• Links with the first years of school and beyond
• Outdoor and physical play, including rough and tumble
• Gender differences
• Play and observation/assessment
• Special Educational Needs and play

The Excellence of Playprovides a powerful argument that a curriculumwhich sanctions and utilizes play is more likely to provide well-balancedcitizens of the future, as well as happier and more learned children in thepresent. It is essential reading for all early years students and practitioners.

Contributors:

Prof. Lesley ABBOTT
Anne LANGSTON
Dr. Sian ADAMS
Prof. Angela ANNING
Prof. Pat BROADHEAD
Prof. Tina BRUCE
Prof. Emeritus Tricia DAVID
Dr. Sacha POWELL
Bernadette DUFFY
Dr. Hilary FABIAN
Dr. Aline-Wendy DUNLOP
Rose GRIFFITHS
Prof. Nigel HALL
Stephanie HARDING
Jane HISLAM
lan HOWE
Dan DAVIES
Neil KITSON
Dr. Theodora PAPATHEODOROU
Linda POUND
Prof. Peter SMITH
Dr. David WHITEBREAD
Helen JAMESON.