Overview

Transform your approach to early childhood education by unlocking the true potential of play-based learning. In The Power of Play, educator Lili-Ann Kriegler provides a practical roadmap for embedding deep conceptual understanding into daily activities. This book, explicitly designed for early educators, emphasises that language is at the heart of learning. It outlines 7 dynamic learning zones to help you implement a highly effective play-based curriculum. With real-world examples and evidence-based strategies, Lili-Ann empowers you to create language-rich environments in which each child can thrive. Whether through free play or guided creative exploration, this book equips you with the tools to ensure play is vital in developing the skills children need for lifelong success.

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9781923215382

Table of Contents

Reviews

The author's practical approach, drawn from multiple life experiences and a gift for language, makes this book a heartfelt and useful guide for educators. It is characterised by Gregory Bateson's (2000) sociological approach, offering the concept of being sensitive to everyday life patterns that connect into meaningful wholes. This book is not just another resource, but a unique perspective from an experienced educator, making it a valuable addition to any early childhood educator's library. Dr Avis Ridgway, Monash University In this book, Lili-Ann carefully takes the reader away from binary thinking, where free play opposes knowledge acquisition and asks us to reconsider our roles when working with young children. She invites educators to be active listeners and to see children's engagement and agency as paramount to learning. She reminds us that learning is as much about emotion as it is cognitive, and making connections and transferring knowledge should be our aim. Lili-Ann inspires educators to be intentional and aware of their practices and asks us to reconsider knowledge's role in early childhood education. She introduces us to her ""7 learning zones"", which are very helpful in analysing the role of the teacher and how our interactions with children mediate learning. It has been a joy to read and has given me another point of view to consider when working with students and teachers. Shana Upiter, ELC Coordinator, Mount Scopus Memorial College This is an enjoyable book with an approachable writing style that simplifies complex ideas. It's a strength of Lili-Ann's work, and I plan to recommend it to former colleagues and preschool teachers. Sadly, there's growing pressure on early educators to focus on academics at the expense of playbased, language-rich learning. Despite evidence that young children need experiences like these to build a foundation for later academic success, the belief persists that they should read by the age of four or five. I especially liked the section on language in Chapter 7. Lili-Ann provides valuable insights into how teachers can use language more effectively as a teaching tool. I hope this book brings her more opportunities to share her work. Kelly Morgan, Canadian author and educator, Expert in Systematic Concept Teaching

Author Information

Lili-Ann Kriegler, education consultant and author, has extensive experience teaching across all age levels, from preschool to adults. She is a leader in early childhood education (ages three to nine), educational leadership and the enhancement of thinking skills. Her Master of Education and Leadership degree confirmed her belief that learning through play is constructed through meaningful interaction and dialogue.

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