The role of play in human development
By: Anthony D. Pellegrini.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Published: 2009
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 278
ISBN-13: 9780195367324
Subjects: Play -- Psychological aspects; Play -- Social aspects; Symbolic play; Child psychology
Description: In this book, Pellegrini argues that play is an excellent example of the ways in which biology and culture influence each other, especially during childhood. Specifically, the innovative possibilities associated with different forms of play behavior during the juvenile period can influence individuals' skill acquisition, and possibly influence the development of the species. In order to understand play in this broad sense, it is necessary to understand its phylogenetic development (across monkeys, great apes, and humans), its place within human development, and its function(s) and atecedents. Such an understanding of the role of play in childhood has implications for a deeper understanding of the role of development in the human experience. --From publisher's description.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references and index.
Table of contents: title: Getting here from there: an introduction to my study of play; title: Play: what is it?; title: Theories of play; title: Play and behavioral plasticity; title: Play in culture; title: Functions of play; title: Social play; title: Children's use of objects in exploration, play, and as tools; title: Locomotor play; title: Pretend play; title: The role of games; title: The role of play in education; title: Taking a lesson from sir Thomas Gersham.