Preschooler Play & Learn - 160 Games and Learning Activities for Preschoolers

Based on the pioneering work of Mary D. Sheridan, Play in Early Childhood is a classic introductory text to play and development – key topics for all those who work with young children. Updated for a contemporary audience and fully evidence-based, it explains how children’s play develops and how they develop as they play.

With over eighty illustrations and observations of play from birth to six years, this new edition presents classical and contemporary literature, making clear links between play and all areas of children’s development. It includes activities to consolidate thinking and suggestions for further reading throughout. Play in Early Childhood considers:

• the development, value and characteristics of play
• issues relating to culture, adversity and gender
• play from recreational, therapeutic and educational perspectives
• the role of parents/caregivers and professionals in supporting play

Suitable for those new to the area or for more experienced workers wanting a quick reference guide, this easy-to-follow book meets the needs of students and professionals from a wide range of health, education and social care backgrounds, including early years professionals, playworkers, children’s nurses, speech and language therapists and social workers.

Barbara Sher, an expert occupational therapist and teacher, has written a handy resource filled with games to play with young children who have Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other sensory processing disorders (SPD). The games are designed to help children feel comfortable in social situations and teach other basic lessons including beginning and end, spatial relationships, hand-eye coordination, and more. Games can also be used in regular classrooms to encourage inclusion.

• A collection of fun, simple games that can improve the lives of children with ASD or other SPDs.
• Games can be played by parents or teachers and with individual children or groups.
• Games are designed to make children more comfortable in social situations and to develop motor and language skills
• Also included are a variety of interactive games to play in water, whether in a backyard kiddie pool, community swimming pool, or lake
• All the games are easy-to-do, utilizing common, inexpensive materials, and include several variations and modifications