Every early years practitioner should be able to captivate and maintain the interest of young children in their setting, through the provision of a playful learning experience.
Covering age ranges 3-8 years, this textbook explores the importance of infusing playfulness throughout the entire early years day, and includes chapters that:
establish the core principles underpinning playful teaching and learning
help students and practitioners understand how playfulness can be applied to all aspects of the early years curriculum including mathematics, literacy, outdoor environments, science & technology, and ICT
explore core issues in early years provision including observing, planning & assessment, and how they relate to playful learning
emphasise the role and qualities of the playful professional.
This is a fantastic resource for any student or practitioner looking to enrich the lives of young children through meaningful playful learning experiences.
Section 1: Principles of Playful Teaching and Learning
Chapter 1 Why Playful Teaching and Learning? - Glenda Walsh
Chapter 2 Mental Models of Early Years Practice: Digging Deeper - Liz Sproule
Chapter 3 Pillars of Practice for Playful Teaching and Learning - Glenda Walsh
Section 2: Playful Teaching and Learning across the Curriculum
Chapter 4 Playful Thinking in Action: Tools for Cultivating Children's Thinking - Carol McGuinness
Chapter 5 Playful Pedagogies in Early Childhood Mathematics - Ross Ó Corráin and Elizabeth Dunphy
Chapter 6 Playful Approaches to Literacy - Catherine Gilliland
Chapter 7 Growing the Child in the Playful Setting - Marion Dowling and Glenda Walsh
Chapter 8 Playful Learning in Natural Outdoor Environments - Richard Greenwood
Chapter 9 ICT Made Playful - Christine Stephen
Chapter 10 Playful Approaches to Science and Technology - Andrea Doherty and John McCullagh
Section 3: The Role of the Playful Professional
Chapter 11 Hopeful Intentions: Planning for Playful Teaching and Learning - Jacqueline Fallon
Chapter 12 Assessment in the Playful Teaching and Learning Experience - Glenda Walsh and Elizabeth Sproule
Chapter 13 Towards the Playful Professional - Dorothy McMillan
