The Buskers Guide to Playing Out by Philip Waters (Common Threads Publications, 8.50, 07000 785215) Reviewed by Miranda Walker, playwork trainer
This pocket-sized book is part of the 'Buskers Guides' series, which is aimed at practitioners of all levels working with children in a range of settings. It intends to give 'clear and practical explanations using current theory in a light-hearted way'.
The book focuses on playing outside, drawing on play theory to explain why it's important that children have access to outside play spaces, and exploring the types of play spaces available to children and the resources typically found in them.
The author then moves on to offer guidance on supporting children when they're playing outside. I particularly liked the encouragement to consider a wide range of 'stuff' (objects and artefacts) usable for play purposes.
This includes 'novelty stuff', or in other words, items children have not been able to engage with before.
I was also pleased to see that practitioners are encouraged to allow children to take appropriate risks in their play, while it's acknowledged that doing so may require some adults to take a brave step out of their comfort zone. Risk assessment is mentioned, but how to assess risk in the outside play space doesn't fall within the remit of the book.
The author certainly succeeds in explaining current theory in a light-hearted way, which is particularly likely to be appreciated by those new to playwork theory. However, at 8.50 the price of this slim pocket-sized book could deter some potential readers.
