PLAYWORK: A GUIDE TO GOOD PRACTICE (second edition). By Paul Bonel and Jennie Lindon (Stanley Thornes, 14.00, 01242 267271).
Reviewed by Marian Whitehead, language and early years consultant.
In a perceptive foreword to this textbook, Mike Rosen reminds the reader that play is a way of exposing yourself to chance, trial and error. He also notes that play is central to effective learning and this book certainly blends these important principles with sound guidance on practice.
At first glance this is a very readable and practical book for training playworkers. It is grounded in the realities of playwork with children and young people (the age span covers five to 15) and there are excellent study notes on 'Good practice', clear 'Key points' and highlighted issues 'To think about'.
But the authors also write at a deeper level in order to help those who have joined the relatively young profession of playwork to acquire knowledge and understanding, to reflect and to review their practices. Early years professionals can learn a lot from this book.
