A new book titled
“The World of Play in Early Childhood: An Educational and Developmental–Holistic Approach” has recently been published by Professor Ramzi Fathi Haroun, a faculty member in the Department of Teacher Preparation and Field Training at the School of Educational Sciences, University of Jordan. The first edition of this book marks a significant contribution to the Arabic library in the field of early childhood education and care.
The book represents the culmination of over three decades of scholarly and educational work, during which Dr. Haroun sought to establish play as an essential and inalienable right of the child—not a luxury that can be dispensed with. He emphasizes that play lies at the very heart of learning and holistic development, serving as a cornerstone for children’s cognitive, linguistic, social, and physical growth.
Comprising thirteen comprehensive chapters, the book explores a wide range of topics, including:
The concept, stages, and functions of play in supporting child development;
Strategies for integrating play into various learning subjects;
Methods for assessing children’s development through play;
The relationship between play and brain development; and
The principles of inclusive and equitable play opportunities for all children without exception.
Distinguished by its applied and interactive approach, the book includes reflective tasks and hands-on activities that invite readers to actively engage in the learning process, connecting theoretical knowledge with practical experience. This makes the book not only a scientific reference, but also a living educational experience that can be directly implemented in classrooms and childcare settings.
In a statement about this achievement, Dr. Haroun expressed his delight at the publication of this scholarly work, hoping it will support early childhood teachers and student-teachers, and contribute to the ongoing development of early education and child care. He said:
“I hope this book will be a genuine contribution toward a deeper understanding of the role of play in a child’s life, and that it will open new horizons for educators to employ play in enriching early childhood experiences—thereby fostering children’s holistic learning and development.”