The Play in Early Childhood is a comprehensive study of the pedagogy of play in early childhood education, written by a world-renowned researcher in this field. Marilyn Fleer, drawing on 25 years of experience, examines how play is perceived and how it has been used over time in different cultures and various institutions catering to young children, such as kindergartens, home-based daycare services, preschools, and schools.
The book presents significant research and theories about pedagogy and play in early childhood and analyzes their relationship through historical, classical, and contemporary approaches. Vignettes, photographs, examples from classrooms in various countries, and research suggestions help readers connect theory with practice, while the glossary at the end of each chapter aids in the deeper understanding of critical concepts, serving, particularly for Greek readers, as an additional link to the international literature.
The enrichment of the English edition with the analysis of the role of play in the Greek early childhood education curriculum by Chara Dafermou, a central member of the authors’ team for the book Teacher's Guide: Educational Designs - Creative Learning Environments, and the incorporation of relevant Greek literature make this book a valuable tool for professionals in the field and for undergraduate students of early childhood education.
