Play Today: Building the Young Brain through Creative Expression

by Ann Barbour PhD

Overview

When young children are engaged in imaginative play, they are not just having fun; they are developing skills and concepts that are foundational to their learning. Teachers can get the most out of this critical development time with thoughtful preparations that allow the children to freely explore their creativity and learn from each other. Using simple props and donated items, the book shows how centers can be transformed into rich and rewarding learning spaces for children. Play Today offers dozens of easy-to-do scenarios that will spark open-ended play explorations.

Award Winner!
Recipient of the following awards:

• 2017 Winner of the Teacher's Choice Awards, Professional Development Category
• 2016 Academic's Choice Smart Book Award
• 2016 Creative Child Magazine Awards, Book of the Year.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780876596623
Publisher:	Gryphon House Inc.
Publication date:	04/01/2016
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	144
File size:	7 MB
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Ann Barbour is a professor emerita of early childhood education at California State University, Los Angeles. She received an MEd in Elementary Education and a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. She has taught preschool and elementary school and has played an active role in education for more than 30 years. Ann has studied and written about topics as varied as the importance of building literacy skills at home, playground design that incorporates learning opportunities for children of all developmental needs and abilities, portfolio assessment, and the importance of supporting families to promote the healthy development of children.
Ann Barbour is a professor of early childhood education at California State University, Los Angeles. She received a B.A. in American Civilization, a M.Ed. in Elementary Education, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. She has taught at preschool and elementary levels and has played an active role in education for 30 years. Ann has studied and written about topics as varied as the importance of building literacy skills at home, playground design that incorporates learning opportunities for children of all developmental needs and abilities, portfolio assessment, and the importance of supporting families to promote the healthy development of children. She is content advisor for A Place of Our Own/Los Niños en Su Casa, a television series for parents and caregivers of children from birth to five, broadcast daily on public television stations throughout California. Blanche Desjean-Perrotta is an associate professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio. She teaches courses in the teacher-training program in early childhood education. She also teaches courses in an alternative teacher certification program for people returning for a second career. Blanche received a B.A. in Elementary Education, a M.Ed. in Early Childhood, a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, and an Ed.D. in Teaching and Teacher Education.