Description
Book SynopsisHow can you support children’s play, which is an essential part of development and learning? Play helps children learn to understand themselves and get along with others; explore their environment; investigate science, math, and literacy; learn about their communities; and much more.
Use the articles in this collection that emphasize the importance of play—from infancy through the primary grades—to support and scaffold children’s play and connect play to learning.
Trade Review"Each article in this rich publication broadens and sometimes challenges readers’ ideas of what quality play experiences and environments provide for young children. This volume is a useful resource for those who are engaged with young children in playful learning environments, from classrooms to homes, libraries, museums, and more. The memos that accompany each article add meaningful commentary and urge all of us to become play advocates for children."
— Jeri Robinson, Vice President, Early Childhood Initiatives, Boston Children’s Museum"It has often been said that play is children’s work. However, as noted in the introduction to this book, play is under siege. Spotlight on Young Children: Exploring Play is a tribute to the importance of play in the growth, development, and learning of young children." — Robbie B. Roberts, Director, Harris Early Learning Center; Assistant Professor, Auburn University, Birmingham, AL
"These articles explain the developmental necessity of enabling children to learn through guided play. Thoughtful teachers are essential partners in this process, providing dynamic environments that encourage the abilities to reason, solve problems, predict, use language and symbols, think creatively, and interact with others. Can early childhood programs be places for play when academic stakes are so high? This book answers with a resounding yes." — Gretchen Reynolds, Retired Faculty in Early Childhood Education, Algonquin College, Ottawa, ON; coauthor of The Play’s the Thing: Teachers’ Roles in Children’s Play
"I am thrilled to see how the best of theory, research, and best practice come together in this new publication." — William H. Strader, Professor of Early Childhood Education, Fisher College, New Bedford, Massachusetts; Coordinator, New England Symposium on Play
Table of ContentsIntroduction Infants and Toddlers. Let’s Get Messy! Learning Through Art and Sensory Play Toddlers. Lively Minds at Play: Planning Environments and Materials That Support the Way Young Children Learn Preschool. Assessing and Scaffolding Make-Believe Play Preschool. “Where Do the Bears Go?” The Value of Child-Directed Play Preschool. Flying Over the School: Superhero Play— Friend or Foe? Preschool. “Todos Vamos a Jugar, Even the Teachers”— Everyone Playing Together Preschool. Which Toys Promote High-Quality Play? Reflections on the Five-Year Anniversary of the TIMPANI Study Preschool Through Third Grade. Art Play: Stories of Engaging Families, Inspiring Learning, and Exploring Emotions Kindergarten Through Third Grade. Holding on to Play: Reflecting on Experiences as a Playful K–3 Teacher Kindergarten Through Third Grade. Play for All Children: Access to Quality Play Experiences as a Social Justice Issue Infants Through Third Grade. Big Body Play: Understanding and Supporting It Resources Reflecting, Discussing, and Exploring: Questions and Follow-Up Activities
