Rethinking Learning Through Play

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:
Facilitating development and learning through sensory play
Inquiry-based learning through play
Learning about “myself” and “others” as citizens through play
Preparing children for life through play
Creating learning environments that promote play
Play and indigenous knowledge
Play in the daily programme
Learning about language, mathematics and technology through play
Learning about science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) through play
Movement and playful learning
Re-imagining music experiences in early childhood
Using art to learn through play
Using toy libraries to enhance play-based learning