Early Childhood Play Matters

<p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(71 71 71 1)>Play-based learning has long been a means of facilitating teaching and learning in the early childhood years. The Walker Learning Approach an Australian-designed evidence-based play pedagogy provides a solid base and foundation for intentional and responsive teaching in the early years. The program's systems and practices support teams of early childhood educators in a consistent approach that ensures continuity and predictability for children educators and families.</span></p><p><em style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(71 71 71 1)>Early Childhood Play Matters</em><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(71 71 71 1)> provides guidance and many practical ideas on implementing the Walker Learning Approach within early childhood learning practices.</span></p><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(71 71 71 1)>Topics include:</span></p><ul><li><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(71 71 71 1)>Intentional teaching</span></li><li><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(71 71 71 1)>How to minimise time spent on planning and documentation while producing clinical and professional records</span></li><li><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(71 71 71 1)>How to set up open-ended play learning experiences to promote skills</span></li><li><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(71 71 71 1)>How to scaffold with intention and purpose for learning</span></li><li><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(71 71 71 1)>How to communicate effectively as an educator</span></li><li><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(71 71 71 1)>How to honour and build relationships with children and families.</span></li></ul><p><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(71 71 71 1)>It also includes organisational ideas and resources a full-colour section of photographs templates for planning assessment and reporting activities and a bibliography for further reference.</span></p><p><em style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(71 71 71 1)>Early Childhood Play Matters</em><span style=background-color: rgba(255 255 255 1); color: rgba(71 71 71 1)> concentrates on the most formative years of education (birth to six years of age) with intentional rich and rigorous play-based opportunities for young children. It builds upon the successful work that Shona Bass and Kathy Walker have achieved in play-based curriculum in the early and primary years nationally and internationally. </span></p>