Play, Learning, and Children's Development
Everyday Life in Families and Transition to School

This book explores the dynamics in children's everyday lives as they move between school and the family, with particular consideration of how children's motives change in response to new challenges. Professors Mariane Hedegaard and Marilyn Fleer follow four children, two from Australia and two from Denmark, over a twelve-month period. Using these case studies, they show how children's everyday activities, play, and the demands of both family and educational contexts influence their learning and development. The authors contribute to a sociocultural theory formulation that includes the child's perspective in cultural historical contexts. Their approach yields insights that transcend specific nationalities, cultures, and socioeconomic situations. The analysis shows not just how children's family life shapes their experiences in school, but how schools influence and shape their lives at home.

Reviews & endorsements

'The authors' findings yield value that transcends specific nationalities and culture-imposed boundaries to pinpoint the power of children to play a dynamic role in the construction of family pedagogy and ultimately their own development … Recommended.' S. Durr, Choice

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Product details

• Date Published: April 2013
• format: Hardback
• isbn: 9781107028647
• length: 240 pages

• dimensions: 235 x 156 x 17 mm
• weight: 0.45kg
• contains: 13 b/w illus. 5 tables
• availability: Available