Play, Exploration and Learning: A Natural History of the Pre-school

Play, Exploration, and Learning is a 1989 book that examines four types of provision for under-fives in Britain: nursery schools, nursery classes, playgroups, and day nurseries. It looks at the play of three- to five-year-old children and the activities of the adults who care for them, examining children's choices of materials and their use of them, and adults' expectations of the various provisions. It also covers the difference in play activities of part-time and full-time nursery school children and the transition from pre-school to first school.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 21 November 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Originally published in 1989, Play, Exploration, and Learning was a significant contribution to the evaluation of nursery practice in Britain at the time. This comprehensive 'natural history of the activities of children and caring adults' presents a comparative study of four types of provision for the under-fives: nursery schools, nursery classes, playgroups, and day nurseries. While all four types of provision are characterized as happy, bustling, and caring environments, they exhibit significant variations in staffing levels, training, and material provision.

The authors delve into the 'play of three- to five-year-old children and the activities of the adults who care for them. They examine in detail children's choices of materials and their utilization, with particular attention given to the way language is used by both children and adults during play. They also provide a description of adults' expectations regarding the various provisions and the values of the activities pursued within them. Of particular interest is the emphasis placed by adults on fantasy play, as well as the often significant discrepancy between expectation and practice. Additionally, the book explores the differences in play activities between part-time and full-time nursery school children and the transition from pre-school to first school.

Despite its publication in the past, this book remains of historical interest to pre-school practitioners, developmental psychologists, and educational administrators. Its insights into the play and learning experiences of young children provide valuable perspectives and knowledge that can still be applied today. By examining the various types of provision and the interactions between children and adults, Play, Exploration, and Learning offers valuable insights into the early years of education and childcare.

Weight: 721g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032349671