Penny Holland (Open University Press, 14.99, 01628 770224)
Reviewed by Jennie Lindon, early years consultant
I first heard about Penny Holland's thoughtful research from the pages of Nursery World and then read her journal articles. Here she helps readers to share in how she was provoked to reflect on her practice, the action research she undertook in her own setting and what happened when the team stepped away from a 'zero tolerance' of weapon and superhero play. She describes the experiences of other early years settings who wanted to change their practice around this aspect to imaginative play and recognise the consequences of adult intervention in what the children say is 'just pretend'.
A tradition seems to have arisen from the good intentions, of a mainly female workforce, to counteract what seemed to be the roots of violence.
But the ban on weapons became extended to any physical or pretend play that adults judged to be aggressive, with the negative consequence of undermining the imaginative play of many boys.
The descriptions in the book of children and settings show the diversity of reactions as children realise that they do not have to be covert about favourite play themes. Some children initially increase weapon play, but in a more relaxed atmosphere, they soon extend the play and adults can see the richness in superhero and good-versus-evil play themes. This book will be a valuable support to all practitioners who do not enjoy 'policing'
children's play themes.
Practitioners in school and out of school settings will also find food for thought.
As Penny Holland shows, the girls' play can also be limited, since they observe the boundaries set on the more physical children, often the boys.