Playing Is Learning

The research is clear: Play is a critical part of the learning process for young children. Early childhood educators have the opportunity to deeply and meaningfully scaffold children's learning by curating and organizing the ?stuff? children love to play with most. With this book, discover ideas for both familiar and new play materials and how those materials support the cognitive, social and emotional, and physical learning and development of children ages 3 to 5.

This practical, easy-to-read resource

· Presents foundational information organized around the who, why, how, and what of using play materials to support preschoolers' learning and development

· Provides suggestions for play materials and describes why they are useful for different aspects related to each learning and development domain

· Offers activity ideas as well as examples of questions to ask and comments to make that can extend children's understanding as they engage in play

· Includes tips for developmentally appropriate ways to embed technology in children's play

· Recommends more than 90 children's books that go hand-in-hand with each learning and development domain

Be inspired to take a look at your early learning setting through fresh eyes and enhance the quality of your program by providing play materials and experiences that nurture the learning, development, and well-being of each preschooler you teach.

Lisa Mufson Bresson, MEd, is an early childhood author, coach, and consultant with Beyond Boundaries, LLC, specializing in the areas of inquiry-based learning, developmentally appropriate practice, quality classroom environments, and early childhood leadership. Previously, she was the program manager for Grow NJ Kids, New Jersey's statewide Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) for early childhood programs. She taught in urban public preschool settings for over a decade. While in district, she also served on the Committee for Staff Development, mentoring and coaching novice teachers.

Lisa is coauthor of NAEYC's bestselling book Big Questions for Young Minds: Extending Children's Thinking. She has been a contributing author to Teaching Young Children, NAEYC's magazine for preschool teachers, for over 10 years and currently serves on the publication's advisory panel. She frequently presents at local, state, and national conferences.

Lisa is the proud mother of two adult sons, Levi and Jacob. She and her husband Jason live in Sharon, Connecticut, and are both enthusiastic travelers and adventure seekers.