What is play and why is it important? Worldwide, the role and significance of play-based learning as opposed to an academic curriculum is under scrutiny. Rethinking learning through play focuses on the role of play in young children in the early years and how it encourages optimal learning.
Rethinking learning through play examines various theories and approaches to play, and explores a range of strategies and techniques to integrate play successfully in the learning environment and daily programme. With its strong theoretical foundation, it explains in practical terms what and how children learn through play, and how to support learning through play in different contexts.
Contents include the following:
Rethinking learning through play is aimed at pre-service teachers as well as those who are already working in the field and who value the development and optimal learning of young children.
Section A Why play and learning?
Chapter 1 Facilitating development and learning through sensory play
Chapter 2 Inquiry-based learning through play
Section B What is play and why is it important?
Chapter 3 The power of play
Chapter 4 Learning about “myself” and “others” as citizens through play
Chapter 5 Preparing children for life through play
Section C Where, when and how do children play?
Chapter 6 Creating learning environments that promote play
Chapter 7 Play and indigenous knowledge
Chapter 8 Play in the daily programme
Chapter 9 Learning about language through play
Chapter 10 Learning mathematics through play
Chapter 11 Learning about technology through play
Chapter 12 Learning about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through play
Chapter 13 Movement and playful learning
Chapter 14 On a playful note: re-imagining music experiences in early childhood
Chapter 15 Using art to learn through play
Section D How can we support learning through play in other ways?
Chapter 16 Using toy libraries to enhance play-based learning
