Bookcase Plans - How to Build a Bookcase With 3 Tools

Before committing myself to a set of bookcase plans, I first decided to shop around for a pre-fab bookshelf, both online and at a few discount furniture stores in town. My plan was to look at a wide range of styles and prices before deciding what to buy. It didn't take me long to discover that I really had only two choices in the matter; buy somewhat expensive crappy particle board bookcases with fake wood laminate, or buy very expensive wood bookcases that will stay in my family for the next 100 years. The good stuff would be nice, but since I can't afford to spend 0 at Ethan Allen right now, I'm really left with just one option: the somewhat expensive crappy bookcases. It's disappointing to think this is my only choice.

Bookcase Plans - How to Build a Bookcase With 3 Tools

Bookcase Plans - How to Build a Bookcase With 3 Tools

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Bookcase Plans - How to Build a Bookcase With 3 Tools

Bookcase Plans - How to Build a Bookcase With 3 Tools

So now I'm looking at some bookcase plans, which means I'd have to take on the Job of building something from scratch. I'm starting to like the idea, though. First, it's the only other option I can find to buying expensive crappy bookcases, and second, I like the idea of deciding for myself what level of quality (and expense) I want to put into the project. I don't want a bookcase made from the cheapest materials around, but I don't need the most expensive either. Building my own bookcase will let me create something between these two extremes.

I've done a fAir amount of researching on the Web, and I've come up with some pretty simple guidelines for approaching this kind of wood project. Overall, the good news is that you don't have to be a hard-core woodworker to pull this thing off. In fact, a bookcase is a perfect starter project for someone just getting into building stuff from wood. Maybe it's a little more challenging than making a sawhorse (which is also a good plan to start with), but I think it's important for beginners to make something they can be excited about when it's all said and done. So let's get started with some of the basics of building a bookcase.

Three Tools - I assume that most people attempting their first bookcase project will not have a complete set of woodworking power tools in their shop - things like a table saw, drill press, router table, planer, and all that. What I do think first-time builders might (and should) have is a circular saw, a router, and a power drill. It's pretty amazing what you can build with just a few reasonably-priced tools.

#1 Circular Saw - A circular saw will cut just about anything you can throw at it, and with a few accessories, some fAirly complicated joinery. Even if you decide later to upgrade to more expensive tools, your circular saw will always get used in the shop. For a simple bookcase, you'll be using the circular saw to cut all the boards to length, and to help make the dado cuts that hold your bookcase shelves. You'll also use the saw to cut down a 4x8 sheet of plywood for the bookcase back.

#2 Router - I'm sure there are plenty of wood projects being built without the help of a router, but my question is, why go to the trouble? Sometimes you can pick up a decent router for under 0, and considering the extra work you'll save yourself in the long run, that's a good investMent. A router will make easy work of cutting the dadoes for your bookcase shelves, and with a few accessories, let you try out a whole load of professional-style woodworking techniques.

#3 Power Drill - Everybody has a power drill of some sort sitting around in the baseMent or garage. You already know how much use (and abuse) this tool gets for literally hundreds of Jobs around the house. Although it's possible to build a simple bookcase without ever picking up a power drill, the no-screws approach to building a bookcase requires that you own an insanely large number of clamps to hold everything together while the glue dries. Really, we're talking about 20 clamps or more at about each. Ouch. At a fraction of the cost, you can unleash the same clamping power on wood joints by using wood screws (or even nails) to hold pieces together while the glue sets up. Of course, you'll have holes all over everywhere, but most people just fill them in with putty and they look fine.

Plywood vs Solid Wood Shelves - Choosing the right wood for a bookcase plan can be a big topic to get your arms around, especially if you start reading the zillions of articles online about wood species and wood grades, plywood construction, shelving span calculators, etc., etc. This is all good stuff, but for now, let me narrow down the choices for a first-time bookcase project.

Hold off on plywood shelves...this time around - Sure, plywood is nice for bookcase shelves because it doesn't have the warping problems that plague solid wood. But plywood comes in 4x8 sheets, which means you'll be doing a LOT of cutting to make all the pieces for a simple bookcase. For experienced woodworkers, this isn't really a problem. They'll first cut down the sheet into more manageable pieces (usually with a circular saw) and then head over to an 0 table saw to get things perfectly square and perfectly sized for the bookcase plan they're following. Not that you can't do all this with another tool (like a circular saw or jigsaw), but at some point it just becomes too much work to make a zillion cuts in plywood without the bigger, beefy tools.

Solid Pine Shelves - For first-time projects, I like to use off-the-shelf diMensional lumber from the big box stores like Home Depot. Pine is relatively cheap (compared to hardwood) and is precut to standard-size widths and lengths. That means a LOT less cutting for me to get the basic pieces of my bookcase ready for assembly. Woodworkers might point out that diMensional lumber is inconsistent in width and thickness, which makes less-than-perfect woodworking joints without first planning and/or squaring the boards on a table saw. They're right. Dimensional lumber is not perfectly square and consistent from one board to the next. But that doesn't mean you can't build a decent-looking bookcase otherwise. Sure, you might have some small gaps in the joinery, and maybe the case isn't absolutely square and plumb. But more often than not, you'll be the only one who knows any different. Save the more exacting work for nicer bookcase you'll build next year.

Setting up to Cut Boards - It's a little frightening to think about how precarious and unorganized a workspace can be when we start cutting boards. No one wants to spend time moving around tables, setting up sawhorses, adjusting work clamps...just to cut off the end of a board. Unfortunately, any less preparation than what I just mentioned will put you in a dangerous situation. Power tools can be evil...and I mean really evil. And it's not about how much experience you have. Go online and search woodworking accidents. The most horrific stuff happens to people who have been building for 20-30 years without a scratch. Then out of nowhere things suddenly go wrong...boards go flying across the room, arms and fingers get cut, and worse.

Cutting Dadoes for Bookcase Shelves - By far the trickiest step in following bookcase plans is cutting the dadoes (that hold the book shelf ends). No need to be intimidated with this part of the project, though. If you're really careful about setting up for the cut (that means using the right clamps and cutting guides for your router) this can be the most fun you'll have with bookcase plans. I like to cut my dadoes assembly-line style. That is, I clamp down both sides of the bookcase side by side...so that each pass with my circular saw (and router) cuts both boards at the same time. This not only saves you tons of time and headache, it also makes sure that your shelves are perfectly aligned when you glue everything together.

Bookcase Plans - How to Build a Bookcase With 3 Tools

How to Build Adirondack Chairs

If you're fAirly new to woodworking and you've only got a couple of experience under your belt, learning how to build adirondack chAirs can be one of the highlights of your woodworking endeavours. Building adirondack chAirs is both rewarding and fun at the same time. Spending some time to unwind and lounge in the chair that you've built with your own hands is certainly one of the reward.

How to Build Adirondack Chairs

How to Build Adirondack Chairs

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How to Build Adirondack Chairs

How to Build Adirondack Chairs

How to Build Adirondack Chair - Getting Started

To build adirondack chair you need to have some of the groundworks first. You need to consider the type of wood you'll be using, the tools you'll be needing, the plan or the design of your chair as well as the finishing you are going to use to achieve your preferred look.

WOOD

You can use variety of woods to build adirondack chairs however, you also need to keep in mind the type of climate you have in your area as woods are subject to decay in adverse climates. Most woods can be used within arid climates. Cedar as well as redwood can be used in most climate zones while pine, with an applied finish can be used in temperate zones. For tropical zone, I highly suggest limiting your choice to cedar or cypress.

TOOLS

Learning how to build adirondack chairs certainly doesn't require use of power tools. However, if you have some of those tools around, it would really speed up the process.

Personally, I've used a table saw, tape measure, square, clamps, drill/driver, drill bits, jig saw, goggles (safety measures must always be in place no matter how big or small your project is), dust masks and palm sander if you have one available. Nothing fancy, really.

FINISHING

The type of finishing you are going to use is going to depend on the type wood you used as well as the look you wish to achieve with your chair. Generally, spar urethane is good for pine. Exterior stain works great on cedar and oils like linseed and tung can be used on teak wood.

But I said earlier, you also have to consider the design you wish to achieve in choosing the finishing. So as a general rule, I Strongly advise that no matter what the finish you decide on, you test it out first on a same type of wood that you are using before applying it on your chair.

ADIRONDACK CHAIR BUILDING PLANS

One of the reason why I had such an easy time building my own chair was I had such a good adirondack chair building plans that I was using. Each task was easy to accomplish as I was able to follow the step-by-step guide laid out in the plan.

I also had some options on the designs for the adirondack chair as it has many designs to choose from.

Given that I was able to build my own chair using a very workable plan, I strongly suggest that you do the same. It would save you some trouble and headaches.

A good adirondack chair building plan must have a comprehensive list of the materials you'll be using and a step-by-step instruction along with it. This way you'll be able to anticipate the cost as well as the tools you'll be needing.

How to Build Adirondack Chairs

How to Make Decorative Scalloped Molding

Other things that you will need are a good table mounted router with a desired profile bit including a rub bearing, a jig saw or band saw, and sandpaper or a spindle sander and a wood rasp.

How to Make Decorative Scalloped Molding

How to Make Decorative Scalloped Molding

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How to Make Decorative Scalloped Molding

How to Make Decorative Scalloped Molding

Start by drawing the shape of .5 of the piece of molding on the plywood or cardboard. This is to be .5 of the width of the cabinet that you are going to build plus enough past the end to make a miter if needed.

Next select a piece of lumber that is wide enough and long enough to make the molding. This needs to be twice as long as the pattern from step one. Using a Combination square and a pencil draw a line across the center of the board. Set the pattern on the line and trace around the pattern. Turn the pattern over and place it on the otherside if your center line. Now trace the other .5. This approach will help keep the molding symmetrical.

Next cut out the shape using a band saw or jig saw leaving the outside edge to be cut later. Sand the edge smooth and check that the contour doesn't have any unwanted humps.

Select a router bit that has a bearing and is appropriate for the style of furniture that you are building and install it in the table mounted router. Be sure to use a starter pin installed in the base of the router to safely start the cut. Now route the edge that will become the lower profile of the piece. Be sure not to run around the end of the piece.

Using a marking gauge or a pencil and your finger as a gauge, mark the outside of cut on the piece. Cut theoutside line with a band saw or jig saw. Sand the outside edge and make sure that the piece is smooth and does not have any unwanted humps in it.

Warnings:

Always wear safety glasses when using any power tools.

When using a table mounted router without a fence always use a Starter Pin to guide the work piece into the cutter.
Always keep a firm grip on your work piece and make sure your hands are cleat of the cutter.

How to Make Decorative Scalloped Molding

Woodworking Jigs-Why? How To Build?

Woodworking machines and hand tools need jigs and fixtures to reach their full potential. A table saw can slice up wood adequately but tenon making requires a fixture. Drilling holes in line on the drill press requires a fence. You can free hand Bandsaw circles. If you want two of them the same diaMeter, you'll need a jig.

Woodworking Jigs-Why? How To Build?

Woodworking Jigs-Why? How To Build?

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Woodworking Jigs-Why? How To Build?

Woodworking Jigs-Why? How To Build?

Hand tools are just as dependent on jigs. A corner chisel needs a guide to chisel a mortise square corner. Most cutting tools need help to perform their chosen task. Routers are the worst case situation-they are simply dependent and reliant on support.

You might think that the key to getting control of the router are difficult. Instinctively, you would think a whirling tool enclosed in a metal case is not good for jigs andfixtures, but it is.

Commercial jigs are available, as some experts suggest. Can you make your own? If done properly, they are better than most commercial jigs and cost a whole lot less. You can improve the jig after building your first one. As this progression continues, your work improves. Often, you find more uses for the same jig.

The point is jigs help you become a quality woodworker. Moreover, your skills will increase as you make woodworking jigs!

A good woodworking jig allows quick set-ups, and efficient cuttings. With a superior jig, few mistakes are possible and not much skill is required for good results. Can you ask for more?

Some jigs take time to make. Once completed, you can use them repeatedly. This is an excellentreason to use first rate materials and take time to align the pieces.

Let's discuss a couple of the woodworking jigs that you can make. These jigs are superior to Commercial Jigs.

Mortise Jig

Why bother with a mortise jig? The mortise and tenon is the joint of choice in furniture. The joint resists tension and twist, and work great in compression and shear. In addition, registration of your joint is perfect.

Some people use hand chisels or a drill press with hollow square chisel. For the most precise and repeatable mortises, you should consider a mortise jig. For a perfect fit, you want the fit the tenon to mortise exactly.

The Mortise Jig gives excellent results without giving away anything. The mortise and tenon jointwill last for a lifetime. You can make mortises of nearly any length, width or depth. Moreover, they are repeatable for multiple cuts.

How does the mortise jig work?

The beauty of this system is simplicity.
The set up is quick. The cuttings are efficient. It supports the workpiece in all directions. It locks in the router to remove only the mortise. It is repeatable for several pieces, such as multiple drawers ' cavities on each side of a desk. It makes the joint the uniform and strong.
Tenon Jig

A Tenon Jig is easy to make. It provides precise four-faced tenons of nearly any length and width. It has fewer parts than the Mortise Jig, yet is just as accurate.

With a Tenon Jig, the cuttingresults are excellent, the process Fast, and guaranteed safety. All that you need is a little patience to make a Tenon Jig. Along with the Mortise Jig, you can instantly have a mortise and tenon joint that fits snugly and aligns correctly.

Using these two woodworking jigs, you can craft precise mortise and tenon joints in less time than any other method. You get exact alignMent for both parts. Can you ask for more?

You can build many woodworking jigs. Examples: Baby Crib Spindles Jig, Circle Cutting Jig, Edge Guides, Inlay Jig & Templates, Lapping Jig, Jig, Notching and Router Insert Plate Jig & templates, just to name a few.

You will gain confidence with making jigs. It gives you more versatilitywith your projects. With a little practice, you can't go wrong!

Have fun making Great Woodworking Jigs with safety in mind!

Woodworking Jigs-Why? How To Build?

Woodworking Instructions-How to Build a Simple Straight Cut Jig

Improve your woodworking at home with these woodworking instructions on how to build this simple jig. The most common cut is a straight cut. The straight cut jig is the one we will be working with today, and with this jig every straight cut will be exactly where you intend for it to be.

Woodworking Instructions-How to Build a Simple Straight Cut Jig

Woodworking Instructions-How to Build a Simple Straight Cut Jig

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Woodworking Instructions-How to Build a Simple Straight Cut Jig

Woodworking Instructions-How to Build a Simple Straight Cut Jig

This is a straight cut jig " or a" sawboard ". This jig is great!!! You can use this in place of your table saw for all your straight cuts, and it takes up a lot less room. To make this jig "all you need is a 1/4" piece of hardboard 2 foot by eight foot, if you can find it, or 4 x 8 if you can't, and a very straight 1x4x8.

Step one: Take time picking out your 1 x 4 because it serves as your straightedge on the jig. Glue the 1 x 4 to the hardboard, clamp and let dry.

Step two: After the glue has dried simply run the circular saw or router along the straight edge created by the 1 x 4, as it cuts the hardboard it creates an edge that you can see exactly where the saw will cut. You will now have an exact way to place all of your future cuts.

The hardboard is now where your saw cuts and you can measure and line up every cut perfectly. Just made your marks and line the hardboard edge along the marks with the side of your straight edge jig on the side you will keep. This way you don't lose the width of your blade from the cut piece, and clamp in place.

Woodworking Instructions-How to Build a Simple Straight Cut Jig

Chicago Electric Power Tools

With a limited budget for tools in your workshop, Chicago Electric power tools are an option to explore. Chicago Electric power tools offer a variety of tools to select from. Their line of tools is economically priced to give you power for your Dollars. From their cordless drills to their largest floor model equipMent, Chicago Electric power tools give you value for your Dollar. They offer many tools you desire at bargain baseMent prices.

Chicago Electric Power Tools

Chicago Electric Power Tools

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Chicago Electric Power Tools

Chicago Electric Power Tools

Chicago Electric power tools offer a wide range of equipMent including corded and cordless equipment. They even have a few items for your workshop. Their band saw is popular with Airplane kit builders. The offerings from Chicago Electric power tools includes both corded and cordless drills, saws of all types, sandersand grinders. They offer both outdoor yard tools and household power tools. They even offer electric winches of various capabilities and an electric hoist. The variety that Chicago Electric power tools offer extends to some automotive related tools as well. A few bench based tools are offered also, like a compound miter saw.

Bands saws are used to cut thinner material into odd shapes with less wasTAGe from the width of the blade. The thin flexible blade allows material to be cut with a curved radius smaller than you can get from a circular saw. With a band saw, you rotate the material as you cut it to achieve the curves you desire. It is possible to make a tool called a jig that will help you to achieve a very smooth curves, reducing theamount of sanding needed to finish the piece.

The band on the band saw being thin and flexible has a tendency to break while you are cutting material. When this happens, shut the machine off and replace the blade. Usually the blade will break at the point it was welded together and will not shatter into pieces. When you purchase replacement blades, spend the money necessary to get the best you can find. The welds will be stronger and the blade will last you much longer than cheaper blades will. Be careful when pushing material into the blade. Do not wear any gloves or loose fitting long sleeves when operating a band saw. The blade has a tendency to catch such items and draw it into the flesh under the blade cutting quickly and deeply. Whenever operating anyequipment that Chicago power tools offers, wear protective eyewear to protect your eyes from flying materials.

Chicago Electric power tools offers quality power tools at bargain basement prices. They have the tools you desire at the prices you want to pay. When you are on a limited budget to fill your workshop with tools to accomplish those projects you absolutely have to get done, Chicago Electric power tools are definitely the best option available. You can find these tools online or at selected stores in your area.

Chicago Electric Power Tools

How Does Play Help Children's Development?

In this article I will introduce my personal definition of play, but acknowledge that play is basically indefinable because it is so vast and variable. I examine free flow play and the obstacles to play, and the purpose and value of play. I examine one small group of students working definition of play as a developMental tool that helps children develop holistically and other aspects of our definition, ie a developMental journey, play being accessible to all, and the aspect of fun and enjoyMent to play. Alongside this, this article examines structured and unstructured play, including theorists views and include some of my own observations and examine the content in them.

How Does Play Help Children's Development?

How Does Play Help Children's Development?

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How Does Play Help Children's Development?

How Does Play Help Children's Development?

Before I extend on group's definition of play, I would like to state my own theory about play, andexplain what I mean stressing again, that play is basically indefinable because of its flexible and vast nature.

My theory is that play is fluid. It can take many forms, have many meanings, express itself in many ways, but it cannot be contained in a box or shape and labelled as ' play '. If play is taken out of context and into one another it changes its shape and purpose, and the way it moves and performs. All of it is play in its many facets, and all of it is of equal value, because it meets the differing needs of the child at the time it is being played.

Play is fluid so therefore cannot be defined purely as one aspect or another, and as water is fluid, so is play-it changes its shape to its environMent, circumstances and players taking on different forms, expressions andmeanings to the players concerned. It has intrinsic meaning to the children and may change direction at any moment, according to the children's needs and personality etc. Bruce specifies that play is like fluid and free-flowing,

She stated: "the whole point about play is that it cannot be pinned down. It flows. It is on the move. " (Bruce 2004: 154)

Free-flowing play can be limited by obstacles such as time, adults, relationships, routines, outcomes, interferences, circumstances, environment, or disability, and may not flow in the natural direction a child may wish to take it if limited by any of the above obstacles. However, because play is fluid, it can continue where it was left, or be restarted and flow in enTirely different direction if obstacles do not restrictplay.

Props may be used during free flow play which then takes on a symbolic characteristic, and children may engage in role play or socio-dramatic, rough and tumble, plus all rolled up into one, making it difficult to untangle and define! Children do not need adults to direct free-flow or fluid play, only to keep them safe from harming themselves or harming others. This may be viewed as an obstacle by children (and so it is) but as long as adults are not being ' over-protective ' or ' over-restrictive ' and children understand the need for safety rules (they tend to like rules in play anyway!) then the

obstacle or interruption is only a temporary obstacle, that children can overcome and move one, because their play is flexible and fluid.

The purpose or value of play, asmentioned is intrinsic to the child and players and appears to be part of children's developmental journey. Bruce (2004: 149) describes play as a process with no productive end. Play helps children develop in a holistic way, developing their social interactions, language skills, co-operation, understanding of how the world works, and personal, social and emotional development. Play is a tool that brings knowledge and experiences together. Vygotsky viewed play as a vehicle (or tool) for social interaction. Bruner believed roleplay was a vehicle (or tool) for learning about society's rules and conventions. Piaget believed play unifies children's experiences, knowledge and experience. Frobel, Steiner, and Issacs were the biggest advocates of holistic development. Frobel believed learning anddevelopment is holistic, involving the child, other adults and the environment, and that childhood is a sTAGe in it's own right. Steiner based his principles on Frobels and developed a programme involving

play. Issacs believed was central to play the overall development of the child.

Play is as an important of children's developmental journey-it becomes a tool by which children learn to develop in a holistic manner, it enables them to understand themselves, other people, their community and the world around them. Play also enables children to act out experiences, past and present, and enter into fantasy worlds. Bruner believed that play is process-led rather than task orientated, but also believed it prepares children for adulthood. (Fisher 1996: 97) We are all on a lifelongjourney and the journey, and the journey for me may be different to your journey. We may start at the same place, but go in different directions, and we may meet again but be different people, because life (and play, as part of that process) shapes the people and character we become. The journey of developing and learning is a long, slow, and ongoing process throughout life-a developmental journey which starts at birth and finishes at death, and play in its many fluid forms, becomes part of the process.

If play is structured, directed or initiated by adults, play takes on a different role. If play has a target or goal, outcome for a child to achieve, often children do not view this type of play as play, but as work .... they view

work as teacher-directed and play as choice,sitting down as working, and being active as playing (Wood & Attfield, 2005: 17). However, to divide between play and work cannot easily be made. Children learn through play, and whether it is teacher initiated or child initiated. Frobel, Steiner, Issacs, Piaget believed play should not be directed. Miss Boyce believed in a mixed approach, including free flow play and a more structured timetable for teacher-directed sessions. Montessori, demonstrated skills to children and did not believe in freeplay. Brunner saw play as a process but also believed adults need to scaffold children's experiences in order to help them progress to the next sTAGe, as did Vygotsky, who advocated adults working alongside children to build on/scaffold their understanding to move them onto the next stage.McMillian also believed in a structured environment that was planned to support children's needs, and which integrated subjects such as maths, science and literacy.

Whether play is adult-led, led or child children will learn many skills through play such as; co-operation, negotiation, other people's views, social skills, language skills, fine and gross motor skills may improve and other skills may

be mastered, thinking and cognitive skills are used and improved, so therefore children will learn through play whether there is an intended outcome or not! My own observations of children's play confirmed this. Children learned through many different types of structured and unstructured play. Structured play helped children develop more in the cognitive realm whereas unstructuredplay helped children develop more in the creative, language, physical and personal/social realm.

If they do meet the outcomes (which they should do if the resources, processes and intensions are aimed at the right level ...) then this is an added bonus! If planned and resourced correctly by practitioners, play can help children meet targets within the Foundation Stage, Key stage 1, or covering all aspects of the curriculum from Personal, social and emotional development through to creative development.

Adults can improve the quality of children's play by providing a rich variety of resources, well planned and structured play, indoors and out, needs sensitive scaffolding for children to learn new skills or progress and knowledge. Adults also need to provide plenty of free flowplay, and time

to complete tasks. If adults aim to intervene as little as possible in free play, this will provide a better outcome for children.

In structured play the teacher/adult has used play as a ' tool ' (others call it a vehicle or medium) but may not be viewed as play in its purest form. Play cannot be categorized into ' play ' or ' not play ' (because play is fluid and takes many forms) but may be better defined as ' pure play ' more or less ' pure play ' (Wood 2005: Attfield & 4-5) Wood and further define Attfield as well as unstructured play, active, fun, pretend, a process invented, child and child-chosen. Linden states, "Circumstances can prevent or restrict play. Constraints may be placed by adults or the environment limits children's experiences. Alternatively,developmental problems, disability or illness can shape the possibilities for children. " Play may be hampered (children may have obstacles to play) if they have any form of disability or cultural, language, social or economic differences. Children (like adults) tend to be exclusive, uncertain about things or people they don't understand or are not like them, unless they are informed/educated that all children have an equal right to play and should be granted access and opportunities to play.

Children need adults to be good role models demonstrating equality by provision and adaptability to children's needs. Children need adults to provide different types of play or different ways of playing, so that children can access it. Some children may need more adult support to access play,especially if there is some form of disability or complex needs. These children may access play differently, but all children have the same right to develop in a holistic way that all children do. All children need the ' tool ' of play for their own development; because play is fluid, the way the tool is used may be different.

I observed a young boy (of about 8 years old) and other children aged between 6-10 years in a social club setting. All the children, except the little boy of 8, were engaged in play locomotives. They were chasing, tickling, rolling, dancing etc throughout the night, mainly in small groups of children. The play looked chaotic but was not out of place in the setting. The adults observed this play and did not intervene. The children appeared

to have no purposeor intension but to enjoy themselves, and the value to them was in participating in the fun, making up games and dances, enjoying social activities together and passing time in an enjoyable way.

The other little boy of 8 however, did not join in any of the play, he merely acknowledged the other children. Instead of playing with the other children, this little boy stood in front of the band that was performing, and appeared to be conducting them (using a toy), virtually all night. He was'm ' engrossed in his play/work. Later on when the band had a break, he circled around the

hall floor (walking on his toes) making ' car-like ' movements. At this point the boy may have been involved in role play. However, his first play was very difficult to understand (possibly role play orpractice play?) This little boy appeared to have special needs along the line of Asperger's syndrome (noted from previous study and personal experience) I suspected Asperger's syndrome because he did not communicate with the other children, contact them, play alongside them, or join in their play. When they came near him once during play, visible locomotives he repelled/moved himself clearly out of their way. He couldn't or didn't access any type of social, co-operative or

parallel play, but preferred his own solitary activity and the type of play he engaged in was repetitive. Although his play didn't make sense to me, it was meaningful to him. He appeared to believe he was truly directing the band (though they ignored him and continued their performance), however he was'm ' engrossedin roleplay or practice play and appeared to enjoy what he was doing. His play was intrinsically valuable to him and he had as much right to play in this way as the other children had to play in their way. Linden Stated "Play stems from children's own perception of the world and how it works ... play is a very personal, creative activity ... within children's understanding, their play is meaningful in it no-play connection to reality. (2000: 43).

I also observed other types of play in other settings with younger children. The type of play observed included the socio-dramatic (2-3 year olds involved in playing with Dolls, prams and accessories, shopping etc); exploratory play (2-3 year olds exploring playdough and cutters, moulding, shaping, cutting etc); creative play-freepainting, mixing paints, making patterns and pictures and epistemic play (2-6 year olds involved in table top games,

including sounds, game & ladders and snakes alphabet jigsaw). The learning processes during these observations was vast, from social skills, co-operation and concentration to language skills, physical skills, fine motor skills, mathematic skills, creative skills to cognitive skills, being used, extended and enhanced in play to the benefit of the child/ren concerned.

Play, however, is not just a tool that enables development, play in itself is fun and has value in itself. Play is as valuable to the child as work is to adults. Fisher (96: 103) stated "Play has its own intrinsic rewards, it is done spontaneously and voluntary and it is thoroughlyenjoyable. " If play is self chosen, self-motivated and directed, then it can only be enjoyable. Theorists such as Lazarus and Garvey hold this view; indeed children would not so readily engage in play if it were not so! Linden (2001: 44) stated, "children play for play's sake. The activity is an end in itself and is not undertaken for an end product. "

Conclusion

In this article I have stated my theory of play as being fluid, and other aspects or definitions of play and its value in children's development. Included in this are some theorist's views of play, and observations of children's play and what they are gaining from it, noting however, that defining play in all its elements, is very difficult! Play has many facets and functions it is impossible for one or two statementsto adequately state what play is or does and many theorists hold differing views, reflecting this difficulty.

Play has become a tool in the Early Years sector and education and it is key to understanding how children think and feel. It has become clearer to me that play is crucial to children's social and emotional development, and other aspects such as language skills, cognitive skills and understanding the world in which they live. It has also become clearer to me that the least amount of time adults intervene in children's play, the better! (Though of course there is a time when structured play is appropriate). Play is enjoyable and motivating and a tool that develops children holistically and plays is fluid in that it fulfils many different roles that aids children in theirdevelopmental journey.

http://childsworld.info

How Does Play Help Children's Development?