"In our current culture of pushed-down academics and accountability, early childhood professionals spend too much time justifying play for children. Until that justification is no longer necessary, this book will help those in early childhood education answer the question presented in the title: Why Play? Each chapter describes a different type of play, offering information educators can use to advocate for each. Every chapter also includes suggestions for putting practice into theory, helping to ensure play becomes a greater part of the children's education. Additionally, "Partnering with Parents" offers recommendations for language and information educators can use to help parents understand that play is not separate from learning! "Why Play?" highlights some of the most popular types of play, including dramatic and loose parts play, but it also covers those considered controversial: "risky;" rough-and-tumble; and war, gun, and superhero play. Whether used as a tool for advocacy or as a resource for information and ideas about play, "Why Play?" is a book for all ECE professionals who believe children should have the chance to be children, and that child development should guide all of our practices with them"--