Play and Literacy

Play & Culture Studies

Author: Myae Han, James E. Johnson, Kathleen A. Roskos, Renée Casbergue, Julie Parrish, M. Angel Bestwick, Tori K. Flint, Sandra J. Stone and Brian A. Stone Series: Play and Culture Studies

This book provides direct solutions to the question, How do we save play in a standard-driven educational environment? This book provides theoretical/historical foundation of connection between play and literacy, applied research studies, and practical strategies to connect play and literacy in early childhood and in teacher education.

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Summary

Description

How do we save play in a standard-driven educational environment? This edited collection, Play and Literacy: Play & Culture Studies provides a direct answer and solutions to this question. Researchers and theorists have argued for decades that play is the best way to learn language and literacy for children. This book provides theoretical and historical foundation of connection between play and literacy, applied research studies as well as practical strategies to connect play and literacy in early childhood and in teacher education. This book features chapters on the history of play and literacy research, book-play paradigm, play in digital writing, book-based play activities, play-based reader responses, classroom dynamics affecting literacy learning in play, and using play with adults in teacher education such as drama-based instruction. Variety of chapters addressing the strong connection between play and literacy will satisfy the readers who seek to understand the relationship between play and literacy and implement ways to use play to support language and literacy.

Critic Reviews

“The book's reader friendly writing makes it an easy read for professors, graduate students, practicing teachers, and other professionals. The research studies are well grounded in decades of literature and showcase the benefits of play in literacy learning. Each chapter addresses the need to challenge hegemonic educational systems that have relentlessly eliminated play from early childhood curricula. The most beneficial portion of the text can be found at the end of each chapter where the authors make recommendations that provide play opportunities leading intentionally to the development of various literacy skills. This edited volume will inspire readers to rethink existing practices and revalue play.”

The book’s reader friendly writing makes it an easy read for professors, graduate students, practicing teachers, and other professionals. The research studies are well grounded in decades of literature and showcase the benefits of play in literacy learning. Each chapter addresses the need to challenge hegemonic educational systems that have relentlessly eliminated play from early childhood curricula. The most beneficial portion of the text can be found at the end of each chapter where the authors make recommendations that provide play opportunities leading intentionally to the development of various literacy skills. This edited volume will inspire readers to rethink existing practices and revalue play. American Journal of Play

About the Author

Myae Han is professor of early childhood education in the Department of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Delaware.
James E. Johnson is professor of early childhood education in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction in the College of Education at The Pennsylvania State University.