Everyday Playfulness: A New Approach to Children's Play and Adult Responses to it

This book explores how practitioners take account of and act responsibly with moments of children's play and playfulness, drawing on alternative concepts to traditional approaches. It covers topics such as play and wellbeing, play and space, and the micro-politics of playing, and offers implications for professional practice.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 19 December 2019
\n Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
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This book delves into the profound significance of play as an essential and vital component of life for children and adults alike. It explores the ways in which practitioners approach and handle moments of children's playfulness and joy with utmost responsibility. By aligning with the Playwork Principles, the book incorporates alternative concepts and perspectives, drawing from materialist and posthuman philosophy, human geography, and other fields, to examine playing as a dynamic and ongoing process rather than a mere outcome. The book addresses a range of topics, including the interplay between play and well-being, the relationship between play and space, and the intricate micro-politics involved in playing. It also critically examines issues such as critical cartography, adult account-ability, and response-ability in relation to children's play. Ultimately, the book concludes by considering the implications for professional practice and providing valuable insights on how professionals can cultivate practices that nurture and support the flourishing of children's play.

Introduction:
Play holds a unique place in the lives of children and adults alike, serving as a vital and enriching element. This book aims to examine the ways in which practitioners take account of and act responsibly with moments of children's play and playfulness. By leveraging the Playwork Principles, the book explores alternative concepts to traditional approaches, drawing from materialist and posthuman philosophy, human geography, and other fields, to understand playing as a dynamic and ongoing process rather than a mere product.

Play and Well-being:
The book delves into the profound connection between play and well-being. It explores how play contributes to physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development in children. It also examines the role of play in promoting resilience, fostering creativity, and enhancing overall mental health. The book discusses the importance of providing safe and inclusive play environments that support children's diverse needs and interests.

Play and Space:
Another key theme explored in the book is the relationship between play and space. It examines how play spaces can be designed and curated to promote children's exploration, creativity, and social interaction. The book discusses the significance of natural environments, urban spaces, and play-based learning in children's development. It also highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with designing and managing play spaces in different contexts.

Micro-Politics of Playing:
The book delves into the intricate micro-politics of playing, including issues of power, privilege, and inequality. It explores how children's play can be used as a tool for social justice and equity, as well as how it can perpetuate existing social hierarchies and biases. The book discusses the role of practitioners in promoting inclusive and equitable play practices that respect and value the voices and perspectives of all children.

Critical Cartography and Adult Account-ability:
The book also examines the role of critical cartography in understanding children's play and playfulness. It discusses how practitioners can use mapping and visual representation to capture and analyze the spatial and temporal dimensions of children's play. The book highlights the importance of adult account-ability and response-ability in relation to children's play, emphasizing the need for professionals to be aware of their own biases and assumptions and to work towards creating practices that maintain and co-create favourable conditions in which children's play can flourish.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers valuable insights into the significance of play as an essential and vital element of life for children and adults alike. By exploring alternative concepts and perspectives, drawing from diverse fields, and considering the implications for professional practice, the book provides professionals with the tools and knowledge needed to nurture and support the flourishing of children's play. Through its comprehensive coverage of topics such as play and well-being, play and space, micro-politics of playing, critical cartography, and adult account-ability and response-ability, this book serves as a valuable resource for educators, policymakers, and practitioners working in the field of play.

\n Weight: 382g\n
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 14 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781785920646\n \n