The Play Cycle in Practice

“The Play Cycle in Practice is a very welcome resource for the children's services sector. The discussion about the features of children at play and playing is insightful. The reflective questions throughout help adults to understand the connections with children and their role in play. Understanding the play cycle helps adults to be effective in their work with children. Children’s play is predominantly a child-focused initiative. However, organisations in society have deemed that adults have a responsibility to be part of this process. The discussion and examples about the Play Cycle are predominantly gathered from the United Kingdom. Nonetheless, each of the chapters contains elements that are highly relevant to international communities. Understanding the Play Cycle means that adults can understand more deeply children’s perspectives and behaviours. This book is relevant to a wide range of disciplines including educators, teachers, occupational therapists, play therapists, and social workers who work with children and young people. The ideas about the Play Cycle are applicable in a diverse range of settings including early childhood centres, adventure playgrounds, schools kindergartens, and hospital play therapy centres just to name a few. It is an essential resource for those who are interested in children and young people's play.” Dr Jennifer Cartmel, Associate Professor, Griffith University, UK “This book provides a practical and insightful view of the Play Cycle and its relevance today for anyone working with children. The importance of play is central to the chapters, outlining how the Play Cycle can be implemented and the significance of this for developing reflective professionals. The vignettes and quotes from those working with the Play Cycle provide relevant and real-life examples from practice. Navigating the different situations and systems where the Play Cycle is relevant can be complex. The reflective questions in each chapter support self-reflection and develop confidence for those familiar with or new to the Play Cycle.” Dr Natalie Canning, The Open University, UK