ABSTRACT
The observations in this chapter by Deborah Albon, Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Studies at London Metropolitan University, are drawn from her research looking at 'food events' in four early years settings over a three-year period. Using the narrative observations as a basis for reflection on play, she proposes it might be categorised on a continuum of 'playing for real' and 'really playing'. She concludes that both categories of play are valuable, and encourages further reflection as the key to considering children's own experiences and the role of practitioners. In addition, as play is often shifting in its focus, a play episode that starts as 'playing for real' can turn into something akin to 'really playing' in a moment – such is the beauty of play. In 'playing for real', children are able to explore aspects of the 'real' world from different angles but without the emotional stress that goes with real life.
