Playful Teaching and Learning
- Glenda Walsh - Stranmillis University College
- Dorothy McMillan
- Carol McGuinness - Queen's University, Belfast, UK
Covering age ranges 3-8 years, Playful Teaching and Learning 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
- Emphasize the role and qualities of the playful professional
Though there were some useful case studies and links to theory and research; the most useful part for me and my students would be the section on the core principles of playful teaching and learning. The book definitely encourages reflection on how to improve practice and engage children in more playful learning and teaching for children preschool aged and up, which is useful if you are working with this age group. I want to focus more on the core of what play is, play experience from 0-5 years, their own perspectives of play, with less focus on the methods of 'teaching' through play. Perhaps a little too teacher/primary education focused for our use.
Explores playful teaching in a meaningful way beyond the EYFS
This is a timely book which considers issues which many early years' school teachers in Scotland are struggling with - how to integrate play more fully into learning and teaching or even adopt a play-based curriculum, whilst still ensuring progression in children's learning that meets attainment targets.
Working as a teacher educator with students in Scotland, I particularly like the general nature of the book. There is reference to research carried out in an Irish context, but the book is not focused on one national curriculum as so many others are. That causes difficulties for students who have to work with a different curriculum and assessment model.
A very useful text to support students understanding of Early Years practice in relation to the Early Years Teacher role.
Links well to course content
