Description
Book SynopsisChildren are most engaged â and therefore learn best â when they are following their own interests. In this book, Anna Ephgrave shows how her acclaimed âplanning in the momentâ approach can be used with two and three year olds with dramatic results for both children and staff. It reveals the impact that free-flowing, child-initiated play has on very young childrenâs wellbeing, making them feel safe, secure and consequently helping them to be fully engaged in their learning.
The first part of the book clearly explains the principles of child-initiated play and demonstrates how practitioners can create the best possible environment for very young children, also looking at the resources and practices that need to be in place for them to flourish. There is detailed guidance on the role of the practitioner, including how adults should observe childrenâs play, before deciding how â or if â to interact in that moment to ensure that each interaction moves learning forward and support
Trade Review
We have a lot of visitors now and I say to them (and to anyone reading this book) – take the leap and have a go. Some of our staff had reservations, but now they are all on board. They have been convinced by what has happened:-
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- The data shows that the children are making outstanding progress
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- The atmosphere is purposeful and busy
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- The behavior management has reduced massively
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- The workload and paperwork has reduced too
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- The staff feel that they really know all the children so much better
My main message would be that settings should try this approach in its entirety. Have faith; child-initiated play, with planning in the moment, (if it is done well), will give results that will amaze you. It will also re-ignite your enthusiasm for early childhood education.
Helen Clegg, Owner, Staple Hill Stars Preschool, UK.
To have such constructive and calm learning episodes happening so organically around the space is a triumph to all the staff at the nursery and indeed [the] approach.
Aliye Veli, independent early years consultant and trainer, UK.
Table of ContentsPart 1: Introduction. 1. Introduction. 2. What Needs to be in Place? 3. An Enabling Environment. 4. The Role of the Adult. 5. The Paperwork. Part 2: In Action. 6. September Diary. 7. October Diary. 8. November Diary. 9. December Diary. 10. January Diary. 11. February Diary. 12. March Diary. 13. April Diary. 14. May Diary. 15. June Diary 16. July Diary. 17. Appendices.
