<DIV><I>Rethinking Children's Play</I> examines attitudes towards, and experiences of, children's play. Fraser Brown and Michael Patte draw on a wide range of thought, research and practice from different fields and countries to debate, challenge and re-appraise long held beliefs, attitudes and ways of working and living with children in the play environment.<BR><BR>Children need to play and the benefits of play are many and varied, but they are too often underestimated by parents, educators, politicians and society in general. The authors apply a playwork perspective to a wide range of settings populated by children, both formal and informal, to explore the idea that children's learning and development derives substantially from their opportunities to engage with a rich play environment that is supportive of the play process.<BR><BR>Thoughts are provoked through examples of research, reflections on research, activities, key points and guidance on further reading.<BR><BR><I>Rethinking Children's Play</I> is essential for all those studying childhood at undergraduate and graduate level and of great interest to those working with children in any field.</div>