In light of recent standards-based and testing movements, the issue of play in child development has taken on increased meaning for educational professionals and social scientists. This third edition of Play From Birth to Twelve offers comprehensive coverage of what we now know about play and its guiding principles, dynamics, and importance in early learning. These up-to-date essays, written by some of the most distinguished experts in the field, help educators, psychologists, anthropologists, parents, health service personnel, and students explore a variety of theoretical and practical ideas, such as:

• all aspects of play, including historical and diverse perspectives as well as new approaches not yet covered in the literature
• how teachers in various classroom situations set up and guide play to facilitate learning
• how play is affected by societal violence, media reportage, technological innovations, and other contemporary issues
• play and imagination within the current scope of educational policies, childrearing methods, educational variations, cultural differences, and intellectual diversity

New chapters in the third edition of Play From Birth to Twelve cover current and projected future developments in the field of play, such as executive function, neuroscience, autism, play in museums, "small world" play, global issues, media, and technology. The book also suggests ways to support children’s play across different environments at home, in communities, and within various institutional settings.