ABSTRACT

Play is an important part of our development. In playing, we learn to move, think, speak and imagine, as well as cope with other people. This second edition of The Development of Play addresses these key functions that play serves. David Cohen examines how children play with objects, with language, and most importantly, with each other and their parents. He goes on to ask why we stop playing, and looks at adult games. The Development of Play argues that psychology has accepted too uncritically the Victorian opposition of work and play, and argues that adults can learn to play more.
With its extensive account of recent work in this area, this book is the most up-to-date work on the importance of play and will be of interest to child psychologists, developmental psychologists, and a wide number of professionals involved with children.

chapter 1|14 pages

INTRODUCTION

chapter 2|22 pages

A HISTORY OF PLAY

chapter 3|27 pages

PLAYING WITH OBJECTS

chapter 4|26 pages

PLAYING WITH OTHER CHILDREN

chapter 5|23 pages

PRETENDING

chapter 6|35 pages

PLAYFUL PEOPLE?

chapter 7|20 pages

PLAY THERAPY

chapter 8|19 pages

ADULT GAMES IN A CHANGING

chapter 9|7 pages

ENDGAMES