By Play and Educational Theory and Practice (Play & Culture Studies)

Combining the research talents of many long-standing members of the Association for the Study of Play, this work provides discussions of the theory and applied value of play, as well as ongoing research from America, Australia, Taiwan, and Korea. The developmental and educational theories of Lev Semenovich Vygotsky are analyzed in several chapters. The world's premiere play scholar, Brian Sutton-Smith, continues his seminal play theory work, following up on previously presented findings and constructing a developmental theory of play based on emotions.Chapters address:• Play as a parody of emotional vulnerability• Learning to observe children at play• Symbolic play through the eyes and words of children• The activities of children at recess in middle schoolProfessors, teachers, scholars, and university students interested in early childhood education, child development, play theory and practice, and preschool and elementary education will find this volume of interest. Review ?Given the current cultural climate about school achievement, this book about play is an important addition to any library....Rarely does one collection encompass so many facets of a subject. Educators and developmentalists will find much to absorb and ponder as they read the research and the theory offered here. Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above.?-Choice"Given the current cultural climate about school achievement, this book about play is an important addition to any library....Rarely does one collection encompass so many facets of a subject. Educators and developmentalists will find much to absorb and ponder as they read the research and the theory offered here. Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above."-Choice About the Author DONALD E. LYTLE is a professor in the Department of Physical Education and Exercise Science at California State University, Chico. He is the Philosophy Chair of the National Association of Sport and Physical Education Council.