Challenging Play


Book Description

This book takes a detailed look at the complex area of young children's play as it is understood in the early twenty-first century, and in particular at the relationships between play, learning and teaching which are enacted in early childhood settings, across countries as different as England and the USA, Sweden and the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand.




EBOOK: Challenging Play


Book Description

This book takes a detailed look at the complex area of young children's play as it is understood in the early twenty-first century, and in particular at the relationships between play, learning and teaching which are enacted in early childhood settings, across countries as different as England and the USA, Sweden and the Netherlands, Australia and New Zealand. It examines contemporary thinking about the role of play in the early years from a range of perspectives, and offers new ways to understand and define the relationship between learning and play. Its contributors bring together theory, practice and research evidence to make their arguments, which are illustrated through a range of international, cross-cultural examples. Contributors: Jo Ailwood, Joy Cullen, Brian Edmiston, Marilyn Fleer, Helen Hedges, Barbara Jordan, Anna Kilderry, Annica Lofdahl, Alex Moran, Andrea Nolan, Bert van Oers, Ann Merete Otterstad, Jeannette Rhedding-Jones, Sue Rogers, Annette Sandberg, Tuula Vuorinen.




Play It Away


Book Description

Do you live in constant fear? Shallow breathing, tension in the gut, chest pains, rapid hearbeat... Anxiety destroys your confidence, your productivity, you relationships, your ability to enjoy life. You can put an end to your suffering. You can start living again. And it's not as hard as you think.




Games Without Frontiers?


Book Description

This open access book focuses on how and why digital games and gambling are increasingly intertwined and asks “does this matter?” Looking at how “loot boxes” became the poster child for the convergence of gambling and gaming, Wardle traces how we got here. She argues that the intersection between gambling and gaming cultures has a long lineage, one that can be traced back throughout the 20th century but also incorporates more recent trends like the poker boom of the 1990s, the development of social media gambling products and the development of skin betting markets. Underpinned by changing technology, which facilitated new ways to bet, trade and play, the intersection between gaming and gambling cultures and products has accelerated within the last decade – and shows little signs of stopping. Wardle explores what this means for our understanding of risk, how gaming and gambling entities use each other for commercial advantage, and crucially explores what young people think of this, before making recommendations for action.




Play Hard


Book Description




The Hard Problem


Book Description

Above all don’t use the word good as though it meant something in evolutionary science. The Hard Problem is a tour de force, exploring fundamental questions of how we experience the world, as well as telling the moving story of a young woman whose struggle for understanding her own life and the lives of others leads her to question the deeply held beliefs of those around her. Hilary, a young psychology researcher at the Krohl Institute for Brain Science, is nursing a private sorrow and a troubling question. She and other researchers at the institute are grappling with what science calls the “hard problem”—if there is nothing but matter, what is consciousness? What Hilary discovers puts her fundamentally at odds with her colleagues, who include her first mentor and one-time lover, Spike; her boss, Leo; and the billionaire founder of the institute, Jerry. Hilary needs a miracle, and she is prepared to pray for one.




Physical Education Initiatives for Early Childhood Learners


Book Description

In early childhood education, children find in their own body and movement the main way to get in touch with the reality that surrounds them and, therefore, acquire knowledge about the environment in which they grow and develop. Undoubtedly, the progressive discovery of the body itself as a source of feelings and sensations, as well as exploring the different possibilities of action and bodily functions, constitutes necessary experiences on which children's thinking is built. Furthermore, the affective relationships established in psychomotor education situations, and particularly through play, are essential for the emotional development of children. Physical Education Initiatives for Early Childhood Learners offers globalized educational practices, didactic approaches, and proposals for intervention around motor development in the children ages 0-6 years. The book specifically explores laterality, coordination, relaxation, rhythm, etc. and how these are achieved through games, music, and motor stories. This book is ideal for early childhood educators, physical education teachers, administrators, daycares, preschools, early childhood learning centers, researchers, academicians, and students interested in physical education’s role in early child development.




Come and Play


Book Description

Early intervention is vital in addressing and redirecting play challenges in young children. Each of five common play challenges—children who roam playrooms, play repetitiously, appear anxious, are detached, or are rejected by peers—are highlighted. Also included are sensory integration ideas and activities to promote positive and productive play.




Outdoor Learning Environments


Book Description

Educators have a key pedagogical role in promoting early years outdoor play in natural environments. Active outdoor play involving risk-taking has been linked to positive effects on social health and behaviour, and encourages physical activity and motor skill development. At the same time, it has been recognised that opportunities for children to experience outdoor learning have been reduced in recent decades due to the impacts of technology, urbanisation and social change. This book brings together renowned authors, with research and professional experience in a range of disciplines, to provide a comprehensive guide to developing positive and engaging outdoor learning environments in the early years. Part 1 looks at pedagogy and outdoor environments, and considers the value of risk-taking and developing a young child's appreciation of the natural world. Part 2 examines the key principles involved in the design and planning of these spaces, such as applying the relevant equipment standards and regulations. Part 3 explores how educators can develop an understanding of children's own perspectives on outdoor spaces, including promoting agency and recognising the importance of private playspaces. Part 4 examines different cultural perspectives on outdoor play, including Indigenous approaches, while Part 5 considers the range of experiences possible beyond purposefully-designed spaces, from visiting nature reserves to exploring urban environments. 'A much needed and comprehensive resource for pre-service teachers and educators of young children that encompasses philosophies, theories, pedagogy and practice for purposeful engagement of children in all kinds of outdoor spaces in Australia.' - Dr Kumara Ward, Director of Academic Program: Early Childhood Education, Western Sydney University 'This seminal work will provide a shared language and framework for educators, policy developers, community builders and researchers in exploring the justifications for engaging children in well considered outdoor learning places and spaces.' - Leanne Grogan, School of Education, Outdoor and Environmental Studies, La Trobe University.




Kathleen Turner on Acting


Book Description

Few actors have had a career as dynamic as that Kathleen Turner's; success has followed her from the television screen to major blockbusters, from indie films to the theater stage. Over her forty-year career, Turner has developed an instinctual knowledge of what it takes to be a successful actor, and, in her conversations with esteemed film professor Dustin Morrow, she shares these lessons with the world. With her iconic wit on full display, Turner dazzles readers with her shrewd insights on the craft of acting and charming anecdotes from her own storied career. Touching on each of her roles, she expounds on the lessons she’s learned and describes her journey of discovery in the world of acting. An epic and intense one-on-one master class in acting from the best teacher imaginable, Kathleen Turner on Acting is a must for acting and directing students of every age, established actors and directors, filmmakers, theater pros, and artists of every stripe.