Playing at Work? Means and ends in developing economic and industrial awareness in the early years of education

This article examines some of ways in which young children learn about aspects of economics and industry, and discusses some of the reasons that have been advanced in the United Kingdom for why this should be encouraged. After a discussion of the experience that young children have of the social world (and in particular of the economics), and the understanding of this they display through play activities, the National Curriculum Council's guidance on what children of this age should know and understand is considered. These suggestions are then reviewed in the context of the various types of discourse which adults bring to children's play.