Learning Through Play: Creating a Play-Based Approach within Early Childhood Contexts

Learning through Play introduces students to the theory of play in the early years while seamlessly integrating curriculum, current trends and Australian government policy. It aims to create a shared understanding of play and play-based pedagogies that positively influence the everyday practices of educators and improve the learning experiences of children. The book extensively covers the various contexts that children, from birth to age 8, may engage with during the early years.

Structured to complement the Early Years Learning Framework and early childhood education studies, the text draws on theories to discuss the centrality of play to children's development and learning, then delves into the practicalities and challenges of implementing these play-based approaches, and finally discusses the future of play in early childhood contexts. With several learning features that blend theory, context and practical skills, Learning through Play will not only help pre-service teachers to understand play in principle and in practice, but also to advocate articulately for play-based approaches.

Christine Robinson, Senior Lecturer, University of Notre Dame,Tracy Treasure, Lecturer, University of Notre Dame,Dee O'Connor, Associate Professor/ Associate Dean, University of Notre Dame,Gerardine Neylon, Lecturer, University of Western Australia,Cathie Harrison, Senior Lecturer, Australian Catholic University,Samantha Wynne, Teaching Specialist, Lance Holt School

Christine Robinson is Senior Lecturer and Early Childhood Coordinator at the University of Notre Dame, Fremantle campus.

Tracy Treasure is a Lecturer at the University of Notre Dame, Fremantle campus.

Dr Dee O'Connor is Associate Professor in the School of Education at the University of Notre Dame, Fremantle campus.

Dr Gerardine Neylon is Course Coordinator for the Masters of Teaching (Early Childhood Education) in the Graduate School of Education at the University of Western Australia.

Dr Cathie Harrison is Senior Lecturer at the Australian Catholic University, North Sydney campus, and teaches in postgraduate early childhood degree programs.

Samantha Wynne is an Early Childhood Educator and Consultant with over 25Ayears of classroom experience.