Play, Learning and the Early Childhood Curriculum

′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

This book is the high quality publication one expects from Elizabeth Wood. It is very comprehensive and accessible to undergraduates. The recommended activities and further reading is very helpful. -- Dr Anna Ridgway * drupal *
There is so much good advice and information regarding children′s learning in this book. The use of cameos and case studies will support student understanding of how to work with young children in early years′ settings. -- Dr Carmen Mohamed * drupal *
This inspiring text enables both the student and novice practitioners,experienced researchers and educators alike to access contemporary discourses about play and learning at their individual level.
The powerful influences of historical and current culture in play is explored and challenges how pedagogy and play may need to be reviewed and transformed towards a more integrated framework in practice. This is contextualised effectively for applications to practice through the case studies underpinned by extensive theoretical perspectives running throughout the text for critical evaluation. -- Dr Estelle Martin * drupal *
A useful and up-to-date overview of one of the most important facets of early years learning. -- Dr Hazel Wright * drupal *
An excellent text that I will recommend to all my students who have an interest in Play. -- Dr Jools Page * drupal *
The core aspects of play covered in this text with respect to definitions, policy and practice is not confined to Early Childhood Education and Curriculum. They also apply to other areas of childhood which invovles play at it′s core (playwork, flying start etc). The main themes of the book will benefit students to use as a baseline for their own study in play in whatever aspect of childhood they are studying. -- Dr Pete King * drupal *
We like a higher academic level. -- Dr Raya Jones * drupal *
case studies very helpful to direct students to reflective learning regarding meeting the needs of children in relation to play and learning
would like to have seen a clearer inclusion regarding children with disabilities ie sensory needs, and also working with children who use augmentative and alternative communication as this would aid students to utilise the excellent guidance throughout the text more effectively when working with children with such needs and how to adapt play strategies to be more inclusive -- Eileen Wake * drupal *
This text would be useful within the module where Play is an essential part of the teaching. -- Michelle Harris * drupal *
Extremely useful for students, discussing a range of topics but omitting a Welsh perspective as most books do! -- Miss Alyson Lewis * drupal *
key aspects of EYS provided -- Miss Anita Chamberlain * drupal *
This is an excellent critical companion to playful pedagogy and the current curriculum. This text has encouraged much debate in the classroom and has been a source of thought provoking discussion. -- Miss Jo Button * drupal *
A good book which explians the early childhood curriculum in understandable terms, a must have read for all early years education students. -- Miss KATY MEREDITH * drupal *
Comprehensive material included within this book blending theory and practice. -- Miss Rebecca Lindley * drupal *
This book is superb. One of the few current early years books that really represents contemporary perspectives and articulates well the challenges these present for practice and policy. I was recommending this book to student′s across all the courses I lecture on before I had finished the third chapter. It is that good. -- Mr Ben Tawil * drupal *
The incorporation of play, teaching and learning as well as international perspectives means that this publication supports more than one module of our Professional Practice in Early Years Foundation Degree. Its approach helps the student to consider the wider perspectives of early years curriculum development. -- Mr Deb Hewitt * drupal *
This readable and accessible text is well established as a classic in the field of play and all its complexities. In this third edition the author presents up to date research on play and explores a number of issues and themes from an international context. The overall impact is balanced and extremely readable. This text may be used at undergraduate and postgraduate level> All chapters contain useful further reading ideas. -- Mr John Humphreys, MEd,MA * drupal *
, -- Mr Jonathan Roberts * drupal *
This book is highly effective to grasp characteristics of pupils aged between 4-7 years. -- Mr Kerem Coskun * drupal *
A good source of information on what is often a popular and yet difficult topic for novice research students -- Mr Mark Tymms * drupal *
A useful book across a range of units for the Early Years Education course. It offers some alternative perspectives. -- Mrs Abigail Gosling * drupal *
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 * drupal *
Very useful and accessible text for students to help them to understand the place of play in the Early Years Curriculum. -- Mrs Clare Wiseman * drupal *
Excellent text that provides focus for early years students in linking theory to practice. Learning through play in the curriculum with practical examples encourages further development. A great book for all my students. -- Mrs Donna O'Connor * drupal *
Clear, easily accessible text. For a module that focuses on play over 10 sessions this book is a treasure. Piaget′s theory of play and the socio-cultural theories of play have supported teaching for this module and students find the chapter on asessment very useful. Thank you authors. -- Mrs Eleonora Teszenyi * drupal *
Good solid book, recommended for next module Play and learning. -- Mrs Hayley Roberts * drupal *
Explians the early childhood curriculum in understandable terms, a must have read for all early yaers education students. -- Mrs Helen Middleton * drupal *
This book is ideal for all involved in Early Years work whatever the work place. This has been highly recommended to our MA students as an ideal book which helps both experienced and less experienced practitioners to understand the importance and value of play in the Early Years. It′s value lies in the fact that it is practical alongside appropriate research and theory and useful case studies. This book is already being sought by students covering a wide range of areas for their MA studies as the ideas contained underpin the essential facilitation of development and learning of the Early Years child. -- Mrs Helen Quintrell * drupal *
An essential book for students on an Early Years FD course as it effectively links practice to theory and curriculum. -- Mrs Jane Wellock * drupal *
Excellent content which is especially relevant in today′s changing climate of early childhood education and care. The critically questioning approach to practice and well-established theory makes a refreshing read. -- Mrs Jayne Knott * drupal *
A very useful book with thought provoking consideration of play at all ages and a refreshing approach to play theories and conceptualisation. I am hoping to run a module on play in summer 2014 and will certainly receommend this book. -- Mrs Jennie Vitkovitch * drupal *
Useful text to develop student′s understanding of the role of play -- Mrs Jessica Baines-Holmes * drupal *
An essential text for final year and post graduate students -- Mrs Jo Albin-Clark * drupal *
I thought this was an interesting book that woud be suitable for learners on a degree program. -- Mrs Judy Gerrard * drupal *
fanastic book to use for resources for activitiy planning -- Mrs Karen Cooke * drupal *
Clearly written, good synthesis of theory and practice -- Mrs Karen McInnes * drupal *
An excellent book providing a contempory view of play. The book will be useful for students within a variety of modules across the three year programme, so providing good value for money. -- Mrs Lisa Jeffery * drupal *
A good book which explains the early childhood curriculum in understandable terms, a must have read for all early years students. -- Mrs Liz Tomlin * drupal *
An accesible book which gives a good underpinning to play and suporting it in the curriculum. -- Mrs Louise Atkins * drupal *
Great for Curriculum Activities module -- Mrs Louise Webber * drupal *
Elizabeth Wood had provided both students and lectures alike with an essential guide to early childhood development. As a text it deserves a place in the library of any serious scholar of childhood and young people. -- Mrs Lynne Bedson * drupal *
an excellent ,accessible text that links theory, practice and policy in the early years and supports students in understadning what we mean by play-based learning. -- Mrs Mary Dyer * drupal *
An valuable new edition of this excellent text. -- Mrs Michelle Armstrong-Harris * drupal *
an excellent resource into the ethos of play as a vehicle of learning. Have included this book in my recommeded reading list. -- Mrs MINE TANA * drupal *
Comprehensive and timely book for all early years courses. Highly recommended. -- Mrs Nicola Stobbs * drupal *
A great book which helps to explore aspects of learning through play. The book discusses play and pedagogy and will support readers to undertand the importance of play. -- Mrs Nikki Fairchild * drupal *
Play, Learning and the Early Childhood Curriculum (2013) is all about play. Elizabeth Wood defences the value of play and its importance for children’s learning and development. The book links theory to practice impeccably through several hands on case studies and activities. This 3rd edition is a fine addition to any early years practitioner. -- Mrs Paivi Valtonen * drupal *
Excellent book on play and how it is embedded in the early years curriculum. A beneficial book for those doing HND. -- Mrs Pamela Canning * drupal *
Some good information. -- Mrs Rozanne White * drupal *
Excellent source with activities to support and extend knowledge further -- Mrs Sara Castle * drupal *
Contemporary debates surrounding playful pedagogy and the early year’s curriculum are thoroughly discussed in the informative text. Excellent resource for truly understanding play. Highly recommended for undergraduate as well as postgraduate study. -- Mrs Sharon Colilles * drupal *
This resource will provide learners with a clear information about play and learning and will be particularly useful for using with observational results and planning the Next Steps. -- Mrs Sharon Lock * drupal *
Having kept a Library copy of the first edition of this book on my shelf for over a year I was delighted to receive this 3rd edition as the original is in constant use.
The topic of play, like the thing itself, can often be trivialized and many books do not elevate it to the level required for our PGCE Early Childhood students. This book however definitely rises to and challenges their needs and thinking. It encompasses related perspectives helping the student to recognize the centrality, complexity and vastness of this learning medium.
This new edition brings contemporary research to the fore extended by the linked journal articles.
Overall Elizabeth Wood has succeeded (again) in elevating the profile and rigour of play for a new generation of trainee teachers - and inspired me to continue espousing its integral value to early childhood pedagogy. -- Mrs Sheena Smart * drupal *
Really interestingand informative information on play. excellent links to play and pedagogy. -- Mrs Sue Kinsella * drupal *
Excellent text and content with clear links between theory and practice. Interesting reading that prompts students to consider play learning and the curriculum in the wider context. Practical examples encourage discussion and further development. A great text to support both FE and HE students -- Mrs Susan Davies * drupal *
The main emphasis of this book is play and this is a subject that students often feel that they know everything about - however this book opens up different concepts and ideas and will give real food for thought. I particularly like the ′activity′ boxes -- Mrs Tanya Richardson * drupal *
A very comprehensive guide to play and learning -- Ms Alison Stevenson * drupal *
This book helps sudents to understand the relationship between play, learning and development and pedagogy and the refelctive tasks maintain the students′ interest levels. -- Ms Aoife Cooney * drupal *
Excellent text for students and practitioners. -- Ms Caroline Brooks * drupal *
A very valuable text for early years practitioners, with a wealth of practical examples to illustrate the discussion. -- Ms Kate Allott * drupal *
Excellent text and content with clear links between theory and practice. Interesting reading that prompts students to consider play learning and the curriculum in the wider context. Practical examples encourage discussion and further development. A great read. -- Ms Lisa Oneill * drupal *
This is a well presented book with easy to locate sections.
Section one focuses on the Pedagogy of Early Years and this helped to frame the introduction to influential theory and theorist; contextualising why we do what we do before moving on to the "how" of our practice. " -- Norma Juntai * drupal *
Accessible and current text which uses case studies well to apply theoretical issues to practice, making it a useful book to support students′ independent study to support delivery. Good discussions around special needs and cultural diversity in relation to learning and development in and beyond the curriculum. -- Sasha Pleasance * drupal *