A Mandate For Playful Learning In Preschool

What happened to playful learning in preschool? -- The evidence for playful learning in preschool -- Epilogue.

We are robbing young children of play time to give them a head start on academic skills like reading and mathematics. Yet scientific evidence suggests that eliminating play is taking preschool education in the wrong direction. This text provides a counterargument to the rising tide of didactic instruction on preschool classrooms.

Playful Learning, Playful Teaching presents a practical application of theory in preschool, kindergarten, and primary grade programs describing play in the total context of the entire early childhood curriculum. Using a constructivist, developmental approach, the book examines the role of play in the classroom and discusses how children learn through the process of active, social construction of information. The spiral organization helps readers build knowledge with each chapter. Concepts are introduced in early chapters, then revisited for elaboration and refinement throughout the book. It also analyzes the role of the teacher and explores many cultural and special needs issues in early education. Supportive discussions help new teachers prepare to address the frustrations they may face as they try to create playful programs in school systems that obstruct attempts to move beyond traditional teaching. Readers are presented with the latest perspectives regarding Developmentally Appropriate Practices (DAP) which are tied into suggestions for teaching and advocating for children. The insights and practical suggestions in this book will help empower young teachers to take a strong stance regarding teachers' need to advocate for children's right to play. For anyone interested in early childhood education.

In just a few years, today’s children and teens will forge careers that look nothing like those that were available to their parents or grandparents. While the U.S. economy becomes ever more information-driven, our system of education seems stuck on the idea that “content is king,” neglecting other skills that 21st century citizens sorely need. Becoming Brilliant offers solutions that parents can implement right now. Backed by the latest scientific evidence and illustrated with examples of what’s being done right in schools today, this book introduces the 6Cs—collaboration, communication, content, critical thinking, creative innovation, and confidence—along with ways parents can nurture their children’s development in each area.

Informed by international research along with contrasting perspectives on different forms of play, this book emphasises the importance of play to children, and the opportunities that play provides for learning and development.

Explore the power of play in early childhood classrooms! This teacher resource provides practical strategies that create playful learning opportunities for diverse students. From authors Kenisha Bynoe and Angelique Thompson, this book serves as a comprehensive guide to using play-based learning experiences to introduce curriculum content. With these useful strategies and tips, educators can create learning environments that support the diverse needs of learners and speak to multiple identities and lived experiences. Engage children in purposeful learning that is designed to provoke thought, curiosity, and wonder with the help of this book!

This book showcases a case study of the development of a generalist early childhood education (ECE) teacher into a confident and competent teacher of science in early childhood with support from a mentor. It argues that with guided mentoring, and later, timely support of a mentor as and when required, ECE teachers can deliver the curriculum, teach science by providing opportunities to explore and then build on children’s interest through intentionally planned activities, dialogue, and discourse. It presents a comprehensive literature review and research design including theoretical frames and methodology. It includes a chapter on teacher development and discusses different approaches to science investigations practiced by the teacher in the case study. The book provides evidence of children’s science learning and presents the findings as response to research questions. It also includes a model of teaching as inquiry in the context of early childhood education.