This accessible & focused text for early childhood studies & early years students takes the reader through a detailed exploration of the nature of play. It begins by examining definitions of play & supports students to understand some of the key concepts of play. It goes on to consider the benefits of play creativity & risk & the contexts for play. The final section considers children's rights & the adult role in the facilitation of play. Interactive activities & theory focus features are included throughout helping students to arrive at an understanding of their own practice in relation to play.