"Thinking about Play... cleverly brings together research-based chapters from experienced Early Years practitioners and academics who provide knowledge the field desperately needs to ensure young children can engage in play - laying their own meaningful foundations for their later education."Tricia David, Emeritus Professor of Education, Canterbury Christ Church University, UKThis edited collection brings together play and reflective practice and supports practitioners in reflecting more deeply on the play provision they make for young children. This involves analysing and evaluating what makes quality play and learning experiences by considering how current research might impact on practice.Key features:Introduces the concept of 'playful pedagogies' and explains how it relates to practiceEach chapter starts with an abstract so that readers can dip into issues of particular interest and concernIncludes questions and follow-up ideas that can be used for CPD experiences and trainingThis important book supports early years students and practitioners in developing their own thinking, ideologies and pedagogies. Contributors: Deborah Albon, Pat Beckley, Avril Brock, Stephanie Collins, Jane George, Jane Gibbs, Justine Howard, Pam Jarvis, Karen McInnes, Kevin Kelman, Linda Lauchlan, Paulette Luff, Estelle Martin, Theodora Papatheodorou, Marie Sprawling, Lynsey Thomas, Pauline Trudell, Rebecca Webster, Bryonie Williams, Maulfry Worthington