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Playing and Learning in Early Childhood Education, 3rd edition

Published by Pearson Canada (February 15, 2023) © 2024

  • Beverlie Dietze Okanagan College
  • Diane Kashin Toronto Metropolitan University

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C$57.99

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Supports early childhood education students, practitioners, and primary educators to engage in the exploration of the theoretical framework of play, characteristics of play, the environmental and cultural factors that influence play, and the application of developmentally appropriate play practices. 

Playing and Learning in Early Childhood Education is grounded in sharing new research, practices, and ways of knowing about play and its contributions it makes to the lives of children and how play sets the foundation for later academic and life dispositions. This text reinforces how play prepares children to develop the critical thinking, problem solving, their desire to be curious, and creative expression that facilitates their communication skills, ability to embrace place, community, their culture, and diversity amongst peers. These skills form the foundation for the 21st century skills needed that focus on STEAM - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math.

Hallmark features of this title

  • Stories of Practice: At the beginning of each chapter, early learning teachers share their perspective on the topical issue the chapter will address. These messages help set the stage for you to become familiar with how theory has informed practice, how new learning is essential in the profession, and how the combination of theory and practice guides early learning teachers in their daily work with children and families.
  • Stop . . . Think . . . Discuss . . . Reflect Boxes: These boxes provide probing questions that are intended for you and members of your learning community to explore and to trigger ideas, passion, and research interests beyond the content presented in the chapter.
  • Making Connections-Theory to Practice: Each chapter provides scenarios based on the content of the chapter. This section is intended to help the reader make the connection between theory and practice.

New and updated features of this title

  • As the world shifts to a greater reliance on digital media, it is appropriate that this resource evolves as well. This third edition is the first fully digital version of Playing and Learning in Early Childhood Educations. Instructors and students will find that, although the medium has changed, the content is fully consistent with prior editions.
  • Introduces aspects of Indigenous worldviews to encourage dialogue and new learning 
  • Highlights new research to advance thinking, dialogue, debate, and learning about the importance of children's curiosity to play and to learning
  • Stimulates new and experienced early learning students and teachers to examine their roles and responsibilities in partnering with children to create stimulating, challenging, exciting, and unique play environments and experiences in both indoor and outdoor environments

Important Digital Assets in Pearson eText

  • Stories of Practice: At the beginning of each chapter, early learning teachers share their perspective on the topic the chapter will address. These messages help set the stage for you to become familiar with how theory has informed practice, how new learning is essential in the profession, and how the combination of theory and practice guides early learning teachers in their daily work with children and families.
  • Podcasts: At the beginning of each chapter of the eText, the authors share their perspective on the chapter topic. These 15-minute podcasts support learners in gaining an auditory introduction to the chapter and hearing directly from the authors through their discussions about the chapter content.  
  • It is Time to Take a Play Pause: These boxes provide probing questions that prompt the reader to stop, think, reflect upon and discuss with members of your learning community the ideas and questions identified in the box. Such discussions contribute to early learning students to explore and trigger ideas, passion, and research interests beyond the content presented in the chapter.
  • Are You Curious: Learning extends beyond a class or readings in a text. The Are you Curious is intended to trigger your curiosity to look beyond what is presented in the text. They are an invitation to early learning students to further your learning in each chapter by accessing readings and resources online.
  • Current Events Boxes: In each chapter, readers are introduced to topics that researchers and educators are exploring. Early learning students are encouraged to examine the current events presented and then seek out further information on why and how the content presented might inform ideas, philosophies, and perspectives on children's play. 
  • Making Connections: Theory to Practice: Each chapter provides scenarios based on the content of the chapter. This section is intended to help the reader make the connection between theory and practice.
  • Digital Portfolio Entries: This end-of-chapter section includes suggestions for potential portfolio entries based on the content of each chapter.
  1. Exploring the Foundations of Play
  2. The Process of Play
  3. Observing, Documenting, and Interpreting Children's Play
  4. Outdoor and Nature Play Unscripted and Unstructured
  5. Planning Play Spaces
  6. Loose Parts and Children's Play
  7. Art and Play
  8. Blocks and Child's Play
  9. Dramatic Play
  10. Language, Emergent Literacy, and Play
  11. Math and Science and Play
  12. Music, Movement, and Play
  13. Bringing Technology into Child's Play
  14. Taking Play to the Next Level

Dr. Beverlie Dietze has been an educator in early childhood and adult education programs and held leadership positions in several colleges and universities across Canada. She has been engaged in research projects focusing on outdoor pedagogy and has several peer-reviewed published articles and textbooks. She is a well-known speaker on early childhood topics nationally and internationally. She is a graduate of Sheridan College, the University of New Brunswick, St. Francis Xavier University, and the University of Toronto. In her leisure time, Beverlie connects with the land through gardening and exploring the natural elements of the environment and in publishing a magazine on outdoor play.

Dr. Diane Kashin is an early childhood educator and retired early childhood education professor. She has taught at both the degree and diploma level. Diane continues to work in the sector as a writer, researcher, blogger, presenter, and consultant. Diane has co-written several peer-reviewed articles and textbooks. Diane is a graduate of Seneca College, York University, and the University of Toronto. When she is not working, Diane likes to spend time playing with her grandchildren.

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