Play in the Early Years

Play has a significant role in children's learning and development. Play in the Early Years examines the central questions about play from the perspectives of children, families and educators, providing a comprehensive introduction to the theory and practice of play for children from birth to eight years. In its fourth edition, Play in the Early Years has been thoroughly updated in line with the revised Early Years Learning Framework and the new version of the Australian Curriculum. It takes both a both a theoretical and a practical approach, and covers recent research into conceptual play and wellbeing. The text looks at social, cultural and institutional approaches to play, and explores a range of strategies for successfully integrating play into early years settings and primary classrooms. Each chapter features case studies and play examples, with questions and reflection activities incorporated throughout to enhance learners' understanding.

Marilyn Fleer holds the titles of Australian Research Council Kathleen Fitzpatrick Laureate Fellow (2018-2024), and Sir John Monash Distinguished Emeritus Professor, Monash University. She is an Honorary Research Fellow in the Faculty of Education at the University of Oxford, an Honorary Professor at the Danish School of Education, Aarhus University, Denmark, and previously a Second Professor at Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (2018-2023). She was awarded the 2019 Ashley Goldsworthy Award for outstanding leadership in university-business collaboration and 2022 Honour roll of Women in Victoria, Australia (Change agent).