The role of play in child development is a source of ongoing interest
and debate. In this book, renowned expert Peter Smith offers an
expansive definition of the term "play", taking an in-depth look at its
impact on children, as well as its adaptive value for birds and mammals,
including primates.
Using both contemporary and classic research, Smith examines how
different age groups and sexes participate in a wide variety of play,
including exercise and rough-and- tumble play, fantasy play and
imaginary friends, and play with objects. The book gauges the function
of play in early childhood education and makes the case for and against
recess breaks in school. How play occurs in different societies and
among various populations - including children with special needs - is
also explored.
With its comprehensive coverage of theoretical, historical,
cross-cultural, and evolutionary perspectives, Children and Play holds
significant insights for parents, educators, and clinicians.