Description
Book SynopsisLisa Murphy on Being Child Centered provides an in-depth exploration of the author’s approach to working with children. Lisa Murphy outlines nine characteristics programs need to build an environment that’s child-centered, where play, developmentally appropriate practice, and academic standards all come together under one roof.
Nine characteristics of a child-centered environment:
- Children are provided long periods of uninterrupted free time to explore their environment
- Children are provided lots of time outdoors
- Children are able to explore the environment with few restrictions
- Adults control the environment, not the children
- Adults serve as facilitators within the space
- Adults articulate the intention behind their words and actions
- Adults are familiar with current research and the key contributions of historical child development theorists
- Adults are aware of the importance of keeping it real
- Children are provided time and opportunity to create, move, sing, discuss, observe, read, and play every day
Using true-to-life examples, anecdotes, and her signature conversational style, this book presents and explores the true identifying characteristics of a hands-on, play-based, child-centered environment.
*Finalist in the Midwest Book Awards 2020 (Education category)
Trade Review“Sometimes a book leaves the reader crying ‘More!’ In this case, Lisa Murphy has harnessed her special talents and experience with children to create a small but powerful tool for building a solid foundation under the house we call childhood . . . Her experience, coupled with joy-filled (and often riotously funny) writing style seduce readers into exploring and accepting her nine attributes of a child-centered environment.” —Texas Child Care Quarterly, Summer 2020
