Children, Play, and Development offers a comprehensive look at children's play from birth to adolescence. Stressing the developmental and psychological importance of play, the text discusses the relationship of play to the physical, social, intellectual, and emotional growth of the child.
Fergus P. Hughes is a Professor Emeritus at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay From 1972 until 2004 he was a professor of Human Development and Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, where he taught courses on child development, adolescent development, life span human development, and children's play. In 2004 he assumed the role of Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences, which he held until his retirement in 2007. He is currently engaged in scholarly writing and teaching courses in the University's Adult Degree Program. He is the author or co-author of eight books and numerous book chapters and scholarly articles dealing primarily with childhood cognition and children's play. The first edition of his book Children, Play, and Development appeared in 1991, and has since been translated into Chinese, Korean, and Spanish. In addition, he serves as a professional consultant and regular contributor to The Child Parenting Journal, a national Australian parenting magazine.
Preface Acknowledgments Part I. The Context of Play 1. Historical and Theoretical Viewpoints 2. Ethological and Cultural Perspectives Part II. The Development of Play 3. The First Two Years of Life 4. The Preschool Years: From 2 to 5 5. Play in Later Childhood and Adolescence Part III. Individual Differences in Play 6. Gender Differences in Play 7. Play in Special Populations Part IV. The Benefits of Play 8. Play and Intellectual Development 9. The Social Benefits of Play 10. The Uses of Play in Therapy Glossary References Index About the Author
"This is one of the most inclusive books on play I have yet read." -- Donna C. Williams * Adoption Reply Card * "With solid support from research and theory about development and learning, Hughes provides insight into and support for the seminal importance of play in children's lives." -- Ann Barbour "Quite simply, this is the best text on play and development I have ever read. It was thought provoking while being reader-friendly at the same time. This work is very thorough and would be an excellent text for undergraduate or experienced in-service graduates." -- L. Kathryn Sharp "This book conveys the fundamental importance of play in the lives of children. I feel that professionals in-training need to examine play deeply with a textbook such as this." -- Kimberly M. Ray
