EBOOK: The Trouble With Play

Book excerpt: The Trouble with Play is a radical departure from some of the ideas about play that are held dear by many in early childhood education. For many, play is considered essential to children's development and learning, and is often promoted as a universal and almost magical 'fix'. Although play does have many proven benefits for children, the authors show that play in the early years is not always innocent, fun and natural. Play can also be political and involve morals, ethics, values and power. So, what if... Play is not fair Play is not equitable Play is not innocent Play is not fun Play is not natural The book prompts teachers to understand and implement more thoughtful approaches to play in the early years. Through vignettes, practical activities and reflection points the authors encourage discussion about new ways of seeing and thinking about play and argue for new approaches to pedagogy and the role of the teacher. It is valuable reading for anyone involved in early childhood education.