Play-based learning Books
The School of Life Press Dating Cards: for more productive, insightful and
Book SynopsisGreat dates are made up of great conversations: ones where we find out more about one another, discover what makes us both tick, share some of what we like and reveal how we see the world. This is a collection of cards that can be used out on a date to help provoke the best kinds of discussion. This pack includes 52 cards, each one posing an intriguing question or setting a challenge, designed to provoke, entertain and stimulate. As a bonus, the cards are graded according to how probing they are (Easy, Medium and Hard), so that you can playfully match the discussion with the flow of an evening. Example Questions: How might you entertain a five-year-old child that a friend left you with for an hour or two? Sketch the course of three previous relationships you’ve had. Without thinking too much, complete the sentence: ‘The problem with most of the people I’ve been on a date with is...’ Who would you like to go back and apologise to - and for what? Describe your first kiss? What are the main points you would like to be covered in a speech at your funeral?
£14.92
The School of Life Press Connect: remember why you matter to one another
Book SynopsisThis is a pack of cards to foster connection and closeness, which can (strangely but truly) be generated almost on command by the right sort of conversations. Here are 100 questions that help couples to rekindle affection. They lead naturally to chats about what we are ready to forgive, what we deeply appreciate, what remains exciting and what is especially worth cherishing. This is a deceptively simple game with life-changing consequences. Questions cover topics such as: What I really admire about you is… When appreciative friends discuss us, what do you think they might celebrate in us? How would you like to come back together again at the end of every day? If you never improved one bit, I’d still... The trick to understanding why I can sometimes be difficult is to remember that... Contains adult content.
£26.52
The School of Life Press Philosophical Questions for Curious Minds:
Book SynopsisChildren are born philosophers – but in order to fully bring out the best of their thinking, it helps to equip them with the largest and most thought-expanding questions. This is a pack of the very sharpest, based on the biggest conundrums of philosophy, and is guaranteed to generate lively, warm and fascinating conversations among families and friends. No prior knowledge is required; all that counts is a spirit of curiosity. The pack includes questions like: Is it ever right to lie? When might freedom not be a good thing? What’s the difference between living and being alive? How does money make you happy – and when doesn’t it? With these questions to hand, conversation will forever be profound and entertaining, and minds young and old will have a crash course in the joys and adventures of philosophy.
£15.30
The School of Life Press Games for Grown-ups: 40 activities to deepen and
Book SynopsisWe are used to thinking of good conversation as the glue that holds friendships together, but we shouldn’t forget the immense value of playing games, with some of the same spirit of fun and adventure that we once deployed when we were children. Here is a pack of forty activities to draw us away from static conversation. Among other things, we will build a fort together, dance in surprising ways, deliver funeral orations, practise our acting skills, and play some entertaining (but kindly) pranks. The games are an invitation to cast aside reserve and get in touch with neglected imaginative aspects of ourselves. They are a reminder that friendship doesn’t only require talking; it thrives just as much on the lighthearted but significant business of playing together. Examples Inanimate Impressions Imitation, as Aristotle knew, is an activity humans find pleasurable and meaningful. This perhaps explains our delight in impressions. Ordinarily, we impersonate living creatures – friends, celebrities or animals. But this game takes a slightly different approach. Each guest should attempt to impersonate an inanimate object – a grandfather clock, or a dot-matrix printer, or a blender – using sounds and gestures. At the end, the group as a whole should elect a winner who has most uncannily captured the likeness of the object.
£21.60
The School of Life Press Table Talk: spark meaningful and revealing
Book SynopsisA meal with friends is only ever as good as the questions we ask one another. Too often, we fall back on polite but not so inspired staples: ‘Have you got anything special planned for the weekend?’ ‘What do you do?’, and so on. But there are better kinds of questions - questions that work like magic keys that open up our hearts, draw out our memories and prompt our latent reserves of generosity, fun and interest. This pack collects 80 of these sorts of questions to ensure a meal together can be at once meaningful, entertaining and touching. Laid out on placecards, the questions gently and charmingly pull our fellow diners towards the sort of topics that matter most to our deeper selves - and help us get the most out of one another... Questions Include: What do other people not understand about you? What do you worry about in the middle of the night? Which three adjectives capture important things about you? When you feel upset, how - ideally - would you like to be comforted?
£16.20
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC 50 Fantastic Things to Do with Squidgy Stuff
Book Synopsis_______________The 50 Fantastic Ideas series is packed full of fun, original, skills-based activities for Early Years practitioners to use with children aged 0-5. Each activity features step-by-step guidance, a list of resources, and a detailed explanation of the skills children will learn. Creative, simple, and highly effective, this series is a must-have for every Early Years setting.Packed full of inspiring activities which re-invigorate and extend traditional areas of early years provision, 50 Fantastic Things to Do with Squidgy Stuff is a must have for pre-schools and nurseries. Each activity features easy to follow step-by-step instructions with additional ideas on how to extend the activity inside and outdoors. The learning possibilities are clearly identified and practitioners can see at a glance what the children will get out of the activity.Trade ReviewThe fresh ideas which the authors have come up with for this series are super - it really is a series which should be in every Early Years setting, ready to be picked up when inspiration fails. * www.parentsintouch.co.uk *
£11.69
The School of Life Press The Meaning of Life: cards for profound and
Book SynopsisWe sometimes playfully wonder what the meaning of life might be - but it can be hard to kick start a conversation with ourselves (let alone with anyone else) around such a daunting subject. Here are 52 cards that directly and elegantly lead us to some of the largest questions about life and its meaning – cards that help us and our companions to think with exceptional depth about what truly matters, where we see ourselves heading and what gives life its purpose. This is a tool for direction, clarity – and some of the deepest yet most fun and entertaining conversations we’ll ever have.
£16.20
Hawthorn Press A Year with Findus: Seasonal crafts and nature
Book SynopsisJoin Findus and Pettson and be inspired by all the exciting activities and experiments they get up to through the year. Learn how you can help animals and plants by collecting, fixing, crafting, building, exploring and baking. By creatively using things from around the house and garden both young and old can discover how much can be reused and recycled. Divided into monthly sections, Pettson, Findus and the muckles show you how to make bird feeders, plant bulbs, bake cakes and get involved in many other activities using everyday items. Beautifully illustrated with clear instructions this book is fun, climate-friendly and affordable! This is an updated and extended second edition of the popular Findus, Food and Fun title.
£15.29
Quercus Publishing Sustainable Play: 60+ cardboard crafts and games
Book Synopsis'I adore Sydney's approach to play... good for our planet, and good for our souls too.' - Daisy Upton, author of Five Minute Mum'For some serious playtime inspiration follow Sydney Piercey. She does it with zero fuss or show off. She is just brilliant'. - Clover StroudParenting blogger and mother-of-three, Sydney Piercey, gained traction online with her environmentally friendly DIY toys made entirely out of cardboard.Filled with 60+ creative, accessible and plastic-free projects and play ideas, Sustainable Play is packed with crafts and games to enjoy with your children on slow, rainy or drawbridge days at home. Sydney provides you with budget-friendly, easy-to-follow ideas to play and create in this handbook, inspired by her family's love of the simple things. From step-by-step projects to create magical toys from your leftover cereal boxes to joy-filled games using everyday objects from around your home, Sustainable Play will equip you with the inspiration you need to entertain your children in a creative, stimulating and sustainable way - being kind to the planet in the process.Trade Review'I adore Sydney's approach to play. She takes something as simple as cardboard and tape and creates beautiful activities and role play items... She shows time and time again that toys don't have to be fancy and expensive for children to cherish them and gain important early years play experiences from...The simplicity of what she does is not only good for our planet, but I have found, good for our souls too.' -- Daisy Upton, author of Five Minute Mum'Sydney's sustainable crafts leave me in awe every time, her genius creativity from everyday objects knows no bounds, they challenge us to think differently and inspire our next generation of little ones.' -- Alex Stedman, founder of The Frugality'I absolutely love Sydney. Her clever cardboard crafts and her appreciation of the simple things in life makes her a breath of fresh air. She is a joy to follow on Instagram and this book packed full of smart yet easy-to-follow ideas will be the saviour of many rainy parenting days - being kind to the planet at the same time.' -- Sarah Turner, blogger and author of The Unmumsy Mum'A beautifully sustainable and simple book celebrating childhood through earth friendly, achievable crafts. An ode to the joy of slow-living.' -- Cerrie Burnell, actor and author of I Am Not a Label'Sydney's aesthetic is calming, charming and her cardboard crafting is like no other. Whether parents seek to create an intricate dolls house, a complex SLR camera, or fun kitchen utensils, board games or costumes with reusable materials around your home (Witches Hats never looked so good), she is my go-to for inspiration.' -- Laura Brand, author of The Joy Journal'Sydney inspires the kind of adventures that are hidden in your house, and a kindness to ourselves as parents. Her creations are so genius and yet so simple to recreate - she is a genuine star! I absolutely love to see what she's come up with and the joy it spreads across the internet.' -- Grace Timothy, author of Lost in Motherhood'Sydney's crafts have a low-fi charm that make them accessible to all parents yet completely enchanting for all children.' -- Tess Newall, decorative artist and set designer'These crafts are so much more than the sum of their parts. Of course, they're fabulous examples of resourcefulness, creativity, and sustainable choices but, beyond that, they teach kids - and adults - to look at "stuff" differently. Where some would just see trash, these crafts teach them to envision the treasure they could become.' -- Emily Ehlers, illustrator and author of Hope is a VerbYou'll never look at a cardboard box the same way again! From princess crowns to puppet theatres, tambourines to washing machines - and yes, even the kitchen sink - there's nothing Sydney can't make from a humble box. A book crammed with creativity and clever ideas, it's proof you need very little to fire up your imagination. Best of all, every one of these 'toys' can be recycled too. * Sarah Tomczak *
£13.49
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC Keeping the Little Blighters Busy
Book SynopsisBursting with 50 low-cost, ingenious, inspiring, refreshingly different ideas that parents will enjoy as much as their kids!Does the idea of making a crocodile out of an egg box or fairy cakes with smiley faces leave you cold? Does the thought of another trip to the soft play centre or the swimming pool with a wave machine make you groan? Then this is the book for you!With 50 unique ideas for parents of children age 3 to 13 (and way beyond!) this book will energize your family life and engage your children''s heads, hands and hearts. Take them on a Straight Line Walk or set them a Supermarket challenge. Try Lucky Dip Cookery or Pin in a Map Sketching. Turn even everyday routines like hair washing or laying the table into mini-adventures.Tried and tested on real children, these ideas encourage a sense of exploration, accomplishment, challenge, creativity, boldness and ouside-the-box thinking. They''ll cost you nothing - or next-to-nothing. All you need is a playful attitudTrade ReviewPractical and down-to-earth, you don't need to spend a fortune or go far afield to have a huge amount of fun. And it doesn't end with the book, because it will inspire adults and children to think outside the box and use their imaginations. Unexpectedly, it's a very funny read too. Don't worry about keeping the children amused any more! * www.parentsintouch.co.uk *
£7.59
Peter Lang Publishing Inc Play and Social Justice
Book SynopsisThe importance of play for healthy development is undeniable. Aspects of play have been linked to the development of social skills, health and fitness, motivation, curiosity, innovation, imagination, and problem solving. Both theory and research suggest that play of various types is critical for healthy development and that playfulness is an important quality across the life span. However, opportunities to play and quality of play facilities in schools, after-school programs, childcare centers, community parks, and museums are not equitable by race, socio-economic status, and ability. And racial profiling, immigrant status, illness, and incarceration interfere with child's play. The first section of the book defines play and social justice and describes disparities in play opportunities in childcare, schools, and communities as well as inequities in how play is interpreted. The next section describes pre-school, elementary, high school, and university programs that use play to liberTrade Review“Play and Social Justice: Equity, Advocacy, and Opportunity presents valuable insights into the connections between play and social justice in the lives of children. This is exploration of the topic is an important read for any individual who hopes to create opportunities for children to learn and grow through the process of play while developing the consciousness required to transform their world for the better. It is a welcome addition to the collection of scholarship that aims to humanize the experiences of children and the value of play in our world.” — Brian Williams, Director, Alonzo A. Crim Center for Urban Educational Excellence; Clinical Professor, Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education; College of Education and Human Development, Georgia State University“Play and Social Justice: Equity, Advocacy, and Opportunity is a vital resource for all who recognize the critical place of play in the lives of all children. The contributors have not only meticulously outlined the current inequities of play, particularly for children and communities of marginalized groups, but they have also given us clear, powerful examples of how to advocate and promote play. Thank you for leading the way to play as a form of social justice!” —Debora Wisneski, Professor Teacher Education Department University of Nebraska, Omaha; Past President of The Association for the Study of Play (TASP); Co-editor, Reconsidering the Role of Play in Early Childhood: Towards Social Justice and EquityTable of ContentsPlay and Social Justice: The Issues – The Nature of Play and the Nature of Social Justice – Issues, Disparities, and Inequities in Play Opportunity – Leveling the Playing Field – Teaching and Pedagogical Practices – Community and Institutional Programs and Programming – Play Research Methods and Advocacy – Appendix Resources for Play Advocates – Index – About the Authors.
£30.40
Sage Publications Ltd Can I Go and Play Now?: Rethinking the Early
Book SynopsisThe world of education is an amazing and rewarding world to be in, but there is a sense among many that work within it that there is something not quite right, that all is not well. In this book, Greg Bottrill explores how he ensures that, in his Early Years setting, continuous provision enables children. He shares his Early Years pedagogy through the ′3Ms′ and explains how to apply these in the classroom. Greg also explores the definition of play – what it is and what it isn’t – and the challenging role of the Early Years teacher. This book shares good practice in: early reading and the joy of reading early writing development boys writing the nature of outdoor play and how to make this truly ‘outdoor’ the role of parents in child development mathematics in play when and how to do intervention work with children how to get Headteachers and centre managers on board. Table of ContentsPart 1 – Where do we go from here? Chapter 1 – The child at the centre of the universe Chapter 2 – Making their universe the right universe Part 2 – Getting continuous provision right Chapter 3 – What play is and what play isn’t Chapter 4 – What do I do all day? Chapter 5 – Seriously, what do I do all day? Part 3 – The 3Ms Chapter 6 – What are the 3Ms? Chapter 7 – 3M number 1 – Making conversations Chapter 8 – 3M number 2 – Mark making Chapter 9 – 3M number 3 – Mathematics Chapter 10 – 3M number 4 – Muscle and movement Chapter 11 – 3M number 5 – Mindfulness Chapter 12 – 3m number 6 – Magic Part 4 – The great outdoors Chapter 13 – The outside world Chapter 14 – Your outside space Part 5 – Partners Chapter 15 – Parents Chapter 16 – TAs Chapter 17 – The headteacher
£24.06
Peter Lang Publishing Inc Play and Social Justice: Equity, Advocacy, and
Book SynopsisThe importance of play for healthy development is undeniable. Aspects of play have been linked to the development of social skills, health and fitness, motivation, curiosity, innovation, imagination, and problem solving. Both theory and research suggest that play of various types is critical for healthy development and that playfulness is an important quality across the life span. However, opportunities to play and quality of play facilities in schools, after-school programs, childcare centers, community parks, and museums are not equitable by race, socio-economic status, and ability. And racial profiling, immigrant status, illness, and incarceration interfere with child’s play. The first section of the book defines play and social justice and describes disparities in play opportunities in childcare, schools, and communities as well as inequities in how play is interpreted. The next section describes pre-school, elementary, high school, and university programs that use play to liberate, teach, and build community as well as after-school, hospital, and community programs that help to level the playing field of opportunity. The final part of the book discusses ways to ameliorate inequities through research and advocacy. Four research methods are described that are useful for conducting studies on the amount of play children experience, attitudes toward play, and the effect of play on other variables. Finally, a child, a parent, and a teacher describe ways they tried to obtain more recess, using various methods of advocacy. The appendix provides resources indispensable for those convinced that play for all is indeed a social justice issue worthy of advocacy.Trade Review“Play and Social Justice: Equity, Advocacy, and Opportunity is a vital resource for all who recognize the critical place of play in the lives of all children. The contributors have not only meticulously outlined the current inequities of play, particularly for children and communities of marginalized groups, but they have also given us clear, powerful examples of how to advocate and promote play. Thank you for leading the way to play as a form of social justice!” —Debora Wisneski, Professor Teacher Education Department University of Nebraska, Omaha; Past President of The Association for the Study of Play (TASP); Co-editor, Reconsidering the Role of Play in Early Childhood: Towards Social Justice and Equity“Play and Social Justice: Equity, Advocacy, and Opportunity presents valuable insights into the connections between play and social justice in the lives of children. This is exploration of the topic is an important read for any individual who hopes to create opportunities for children to learn and grow through the process of play while developing the consciousness required to transform their world for the better. It is a welcome addition to the collection of scholarship that aims to humanize the experiences of children and the value of play in our world.” — Brian Williams, Director, Alonzo A. Crim Center for Urban Educational Excellence; Clinical Professor, Department of Early Childhood and Elementary Education; College of Education and Human Development, Georgia State UniversityTable of ContentsPlay and Social Justice: The Issues – The Nature of Play and the Nature of Social Justice – Issues, Disparities, and Inequities in Play Opportunity – Leveling the Playing Field – Teaching and Pedagogical Practices – Community and Institutional Programs and Programming – Play Research Methods and Advocacy – Appendix Resources for Play Advocates – Index – About the Authors.
£75.60
Bloomsbury Publishing PLC My First Five Years Baby: Everyday activities to
Book SynopsisIf you’re looking for fresh, playful ideas to spark your baby’s curiosity, build their confidence and support their development, look no further! Written by the renowned childcare experts at My First Five Years, the popular app designed to help parents support their child's physical, cognitive and emotional development, this unique book of 60 activities explains the why behind different types of play, and shows you how to make the most of short, daily moments together. You might be wondering why your baby loves to show you objects they’ve found, or why they prefer some toys to others. Have you questioned why they can roll from their back onto their tummy, but not the other way around? This book breaks down the science of early childhood development into concise summaries, and includes easy, realistic ideas for play that make the most of development opportunities. The activities are clearly set out with step-by-step instructions, lists of equipment, and benefits for your baby. The book is split into six streams of development – social and emotional, gross motor, fine motor, sensory, language and cognitive – and each chapter includes a summary of the underlying science followed by simple, fun play ideas you can do at home with your baby. From tasty finger paint to egg box puzzles, the ideas fit neatly into daily life and focus on enhancing play into pivotal learning moments. There are also QR codes featured throughout, linking to additional related content. Beautifully colour illustrated and full of tips and advice, this book is perfect for building the foundations for your baby’s lifelong learning, development, health and wellbeing. 'This app has been incredible helpful in helping me navigate the minefield that is being a new mother.' - Praise for the My First Five Years app
£9.49
Pimpernel Press Ltd Adventures at Home: 40 Ways to Make Happy Family
Book SynopsisDo you remember those unexpected, gloriously lazy days of childhood, where time seemed to stretch out forever? Zoë Lake is passionate about making such days happen for today's children. Zoë loves creating something out of nothing and planning mini adventures with her persistently dancing daughter - maybe building a mighty fort, getting artistic with a camera or paintbrush, or perhaps cooking up tasty treats for tea. In Adventures at Home she shares 40 brilliant ways to fill your family's days with fun, without spending much money or leaving your home, by engaging with nature and your immediate environment. All you need is a bit of time and imagination to create memorable moments together – indoors and out – that will stay with you for a lifetime. Trade Review"Beautifully presented with lots of lovely clear photos that speak of an idyllic summer that we all yearn for...a good companion to keep close by for those days that the kids are bored and driving you mad." -- Life In... magazines"Zoe Lake's book took me straight back to that place where all you have is time and your imagination: everything you need to create memorable homemade adventures." * Juno magazine *"Adventures At Home will give you loads of simple to follow and inspiring ideas of how to create those memorable moments together – indoors and out – that will stay with you for a lifetime." * Inside Kent *"Sharing inspiring ideas for spending quality time together." * Country Homes & Interiors *
£17.00
The School of Life Press Everyday Adventures: re-discover wonder and
Book SynopsisAs grown-ups, one of our deepest urges is for life to be more adventurous: a little more excitement, novelty, interest and passion. Unfortunately, many adventures, especially the ‘big’ kinds, are too expensive, threaten to upturn everything and can upset those who rely on us. What we therefore badly need is access to smaller, more pocket-sized adventures. We call these ‘Everyday Adventures’ – from something tiny like eating an unfamiliar fruit from the market to rereading your favourite book to asking a parent what they were like as a teenager. This is a suggestion box to spark the imagination, revive the spirit and motivate us towards the slightly more adventurous lives we long for. Adventures include: Write down five questions you wish someone else would ask you; ask them of someone else. Set your alarm before sunrise and go for a walk
£15.30
The School of Life Press Inspiration: 52 exercises to stimulate
Book SynopsisWhatever our job title, our work will always benefit from new ideas and fresh ways of thinking. We’re used to regarding inspiration as something that arrives more or less at random; it is in fact a skill that we can learn to develop in ourselves and call on whenever we need it. Inspiration is a toolkit for generating new ideas: 52 exercises designed to foster an inventive frame of mind. With this to hand, we have no more need to wait for inspiration to strike; we can kindle it and deploy it as we require it. Each exercise prompts us to work on a particular creative muscle and helps us to establish the psychological conditions for original work. Drawing insights from the worlds of art, music, psychotherapy and innovation, this is an invaluable resource for creatives and professionals alike, helping our minds to become more reliable lightning rods for our numerous flashes of inspiration. Examples Sensory Deprivation Removing distractions and external stimuli can allow our mind to wander more freely. That’s why ideas tend to come to us in the shower, or just before we fall asleep. Sensory deprivation tanks are an extreme (and expensive) way of quieting the outside world. Create your own makeshift sensory deprivation tank. Find a spare office or free room and close the door. Turn out the lights, close the shutters or blinds, and switch off any electrical appliances. If it’s still noisy, use ear plugs or play white noise through some headphones. Stay in there for at least 10 minutes, or as long as you like. Use the time and space to think about your project – or try to think about nothing at all, and allow your mind to drift. Paint Like a Child Pablo Picasso spent his career developing his painting in an increasingly abstract direction. Near the end of his life, he remarked that although he was a technically accomplished painter at fifteen, ‘it look me a lifetime to paint like a child.’ Try to recall the person you were at five years old. How might you look at your work differently? What might strike you as humdrum, and what as exciting? What rules might you be prepared to break to honour the fiveyear-old you? company biography
£23.40
BIS Publishers B.V. The Impact Plan: Rethinking today, remaking
Book SynopsisThe Impact Plan is a detailed decision-making framework that guides students and creative professionals to quickly assess the future impact of their creative projects. While formulated with designers in mind, the method elaborated within this book will help professionals cycle through potential contexts and project influences in order to determine the impact in an economic, social, and even humanitarian way. Moving through the fundamentals of strategic decision-making and impact-centered thinking, The Impact Plan gives the reader a framework for planning and prioritising project-based activities and experiences. Structured over four main sections which follow 'The Hero's Journey', touching on introducing the journey, explaining adversities, deploying the tool, and reflection, moving through this framework will help drive the user sharpen the craft of thinking.
£17.00
