Reflective Playwork : For All Who Work With Children

In a world focused on protecting children and pushing educational progress, the vital need for play is often forgotten. This extensively revised edition of Reflective Playwork champions play as a fundamental need for all children, advocating for dedicated time and space for them to freely enjoy its benefits.

Drawing on playwork methodology, theory, and practice, this book encourages a deeper understanding of play from a child’s perspective, providing adults with the tools to support and enhance it. Key areas covered include:

Playwork principles and approach
Reflective practice and values
Play theory
Child welfare
Creating playable spaces
This edition emphasizes practical application, using real-life stories and case studies from diverse settings like schools, children’s centers, and play therapy to demonstrate how to use the playwork approach and engage in reflective practice.

New and updated features:

Updated key questions, reflection opportunities, and further reading suggestions incorporating the latest research, terminology, and current concerns for children and young people.
An updated glossary of key playwork terms.
A new chapter dedicated to creating playable spaces.
A new chapter on applying the playwork approach in other professions.
A broader perspective on play and playwork across the Western world.
A renewed focus on the connections between playwork practice and other fields.
Written in an accessible style, Reflective Playwork is an invaluable resource for students and practitioners alike, offering practical guidance and theoretical insights for anyone working with children.