ABSTRACT
This book is about young children’s relationships and children’s active participation in their social world. An important premise is that the experience of positive social relations and the development of positive identities are core dimensions of children’s well-being and sense of belonging (Brooker and Woodhead 2008; Bruner 2004; Dunn 2004). These are important concerns at a time when organized early childhood education and care settings have become significant sites of young children’s daily lives in many contexts worldwide. Child rearing is increasingly acknowledged as a collaborative endeavour between families and early childhood education and care institutions (OECD 2006). Peer relationships are also a high priority for children because of the fun and pleasure they derive from being in the company of other children. This is often most evident in play.
