ABSTRACT

The Literacy of Play and Innovation provides a portrait of what innovative education looks like from a literacy perspective. Through an in-depth case study of a "maker" school’s innovative design—in particular, of four early childhood educator’s classrooms—this book demonstrates that children’s inspiration, curiosity, and creativity is a direct result of the school environment. Presenting a unique, data-driven model of literacy, play, and innovation taking the maker movement beyond STEM education, this book helps readers understand literacy learning through making and the creative approaches embedded in early literacy classroom practices.

chapter 1|13 pages

Introduction

New Possibilities: The Potential of Makerspaces as Literacy—Play Learning Environments

chapter 2|43 pages

The Spark of Mindful Design

Envisioning Equity in a Culture of Innovation

chapter 3|42 pages

The Wonderings of the Krewe

chapter 4|46 pages

The Whimsy of the Maker

chapter 5|12 pages

The Cleverness of Innovation

chapter 6|14 pages

Literacy for the Bricoleur

chapter |7 pages

Conclusion

Three Points of Access: Implications for Pedagogical Practices and Instructional Activities