While this book does cover well-documented ideas, I was surprised at how many practical examples I could use within a setting that is already very creative and play-based.
It begins by looking at what play is in the primary school and referencing several different views of play. It builds on the early years' model and seeks to extend this into practice for older learners but with levels of challenge that enhance the opportunities.
It looks at different roles for the children, for example “child as investigator", before moving on to different types of play, showing how these could be applied to work with older children.
Each section is supported with useful case studies and practical ideas which bring the theory alive and consolidate thinking.
This book is an easy read, providing some useful ideas to integrate play into every primary classroom. This book would be useful to anyone looking to develop creative and play-based opportunities in a more formal setting.
Play-based Learning in the Primary School
By Mary Briggs and Alice Hansen
ISBN: 9780857028242
www.sagepublications.com.
£21.99
Review: Vicky Cook