More than any other textbook on the market, "Play and Child Development, Fourth Edition," ties play directly to child development. The authors address the full spectrum of play-related topics and seamlessly blend research, theory, and practical applications throughout this developmentally-based resource. Readers will learn about historical, theoretical, and practical approaches to promoting development through integrated play and learning approaches across various age or developmental levels. The book analyzes play theories and play therapy; presents a history of play; and discusses current play trends. It explores ways to create safe play environments for all children, and how to weave play into school curricula. Finally, the authors examine the role of adults in leading and encouraging children's natural tendencies toward learning by playing. Special coverage includes a full chapter on play and children with disabilities, and the value of field trips in supporting learning. This edition offers expanded and/or updated coverage on evidence based play theory, child development, play environments, and early play-based curricula for children of all abilities in various learning contexts. All content in the text is purposefully arranged to guide its readers through key and core topics leading to a comprehensive understanding of play intended to help prepare pre-service teachers to lead and support children's play in a number of contexts: preschools, elementary schools, park systems, and research programs.

For Assessment courses in Early Childhood Education. One of the most accessible and practical textbooks available on assessing young children from infancy through age 8. It provides the full range of types of assessment and how, when, and why to use them. An excellent introduction to assessing young children, Assessment in Early Childhood Education continues with the inclusion of all types of assessments that can be used with infants and young children. Key changes and updates to this edition include: updated and streamlined figures, examples, and models of assessment that aid pre-service teachers to learn how to apply the principles of quality assessments; new activities at the end of the chapters provide opportunities for students to apply their own performance activities to demonstrate understanding of chapter contents; the effects of No Child Left Behind have been updated; newly revised information on children from diverse cultures and languages and children with disabilities has been added; and information on new and current trends toward accountability are discussed, as well as the impact of high-stakes testing.

Comprehensive coverage of all aspects of assessment of young children from birth through the third grade Written from a developmental perspective, Assessment in Early Childhood Education provides current and future teachers alike with a comprehensive overview of all aspects of early childhood assessment, including the different possibilities available - far more than standardized tests - and how to use them most effectively for the benefit of the children in their classrooms. Both traditional and authentic assessments designed by teachers are explained for preschool children and for kindergarten and third grade children who are transitioning into literacy. The 8th Edition has been updated with new learning features, a new chapter about technology, Common Core and State Standards information, important organizational changes, and more. Also available with the Enhanced Pearson eText* The Enhanced Pearson eText is: Engaging. The new interactive, multimedia learning features were developed by the authors and other subject-matter experts to deepen and enrich the learning experience. Convenient. Enjoy instant online access from your computer or download the Pearson eText App to read on or offline on your iPad (R) and Android (R) tablet.** Affordable. Experience the advantages of the Enhanced Pearson eText along with all the benefits of print for 40% to 50% less than a print bound book. *The Enhanced eText features are only available in the Pearson eText format. They are not available in third-party eTexts or downloads. **The Pearson eText App is available on Google Play and in the App Store. It requires Android OS 3.1-4, a 7" or 10" tablet, or iPad iOS 5.0 or later. Note: You are purchasing a standalone product; the Enhanced Pearson eText does not come packaged with this content. Students, if interested in purchasing this title with the Enhanced Pearson eText, ask your instructor to confirm the correct package ISBN and Course ID. Instructors, contact your Pearson representative for more information. If you would like to purchase both the physical text and Enhanced Pearson eText search for: 0135206073 / 9780135206072 Assessment in Early Childhood Education Plus Enhanced Pearson eText -- Access Card Package, 8/e Package consists of: 0135206529 / 9780135206522 Assessment in Early Childhood Education, 8/e 0135207940 / 9780135207949 Assessment in Early Childhood Education, Enhanced Pearson eText -- Access Card, 8/e