Children, Play, and Development
- Fergus P. Hughes - University of Wisconsin-Green Bay
"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."
—L. Kathryn Sharp, The University of Memphis
A comprehensive look at children's play from birth to adolescence
Children, Play, and Development, Fourth Edition, discusses the relationship of play to the physical, social, intellectual, and emotional growth of the child. Author Fergus P. Hughes focuses on the historical, sociocultural, and ethological context of play; the role of development in play; and the wide range of theories that provide a framework for interpreting play.
The changes in this thoroughly updated Fourth Edition include new information on cultural differences in object play, a critique of experimental research on play across cultures, brain correlates of aggressive play in humans and animals, the development of the young child's ability to distinguish between reality and make-believe, computers in the classroom, the development of emergent literacy, and the impact of attachment on children's development.
Key Features
- Offers thorough coverage of theoretical perspectives on play, showing readers how theories contribute to a scientific understanding of play
- Provides an up-to-date review of the literature, with nearly half of the references new to this edition
- Includes a rich variety of pedagogical features that illustrate key points and help stimulate class discussions
- Presents Putting Theory Into Practice sections (two per chapter) that contain practical applications of theory and research
High-Quality Ancillaries
Instructor Resources, including PowerPoint slides, test questions, activities, a sample syllabus, teaching tips, and web resources, are available at http://studysites.sagepub.com/hughes4e/.
"This is one of the most inclusive books on play I have yet read."
“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.”
“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 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.”
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.
Sample Materials & Chapters
Chapter 1 - Historical and Theoretical Viewpoints
Chapter 7 - Play in Special Populations
Sage College Publishing
