The Value of Play

"We've all done it and we see it all around us. But ask anyone to say what 'play' is and we often have a problem," asserts Perry Else, before taking us through a journey of (re)discovery. The Integral Play Framework, an integrated model showing "how the various aspects of the child's world are interrelated", provides the scaffold for exploring diverse play types, grouped to illustrate why play is physically, mentally, culturally and socially important.

Else's focus on children's "internal world of feelings" is particularly welcome in the emerging context of play being seen as an antidote to childhood obesity or antisocial behaviour. Drawing upon an enormous number of theoretical and practical works, Else highlights key playwork concepts such as the "play cycle". He also demonstrates how playwork services can contribute to Every Child Matters.

Children's workforce professionals often interpret play differently. Because "the desire to play comes from within", this presents a challenge when communicating within integrated services and across professional boundaries, and matching services to children's needs. Key questions posed by the book encourage ongoing reflection, while case studies help readers to connect with their own experiences.

"The value of play is hard to capture," says Else. But this accessible and comprehensive book manages it beautifully. A must-read resource for those studying playwork courses, professionals working with children, and indeed parents and carers; all will gain valuable insights. It is also extremely timely: impending cuts in services require passionate and knowledgeable advocates for play.

Buy The Value of Play