HomeKnowledge LibraryEarly Childhood in Focus: The Right to Play
HomeKnowledge LibraryEarly Childhood in Focus: The Right to Play

Early Childhood in Focus: The Right to Play

This ninth edition in the series focuses on children’s right to play, from its function in their development to the implications of commercialisation and technology.

In this ninth edition, children’s universal right to play is brought into focus. It covers the concept and function of play in supporting children’s development, as well as the opportunities and challenges for realising children’s right to play, including the pressures of early schooling, the implications of commercialisation, and the growing place of new technologies in young children’s lives.

Exploring, talking, constructing and negotiating are all features of young children’s play.


This publication is part of a series that brings different issues important for early childhood into focus, developed together with the Child and Youth Studies Group at The Open University.

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Early Childhood in Focus

This collection compiles compelling, evidence-based research and analysis on topics relevant for anyone working with and for young children and families.

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