ABSTRACT

Children are most engaged – and therefore learn best – when they are following their own interests. In this book, Anna Ephgrave shows how her acclaimed ‘planning in the moment’ approach can be used with two and three year olds with dramatic results for both children and staff. It reveals the impact that free-flowing, child-initiated play has on very young children’s wellbeing, making them feel safe, secure and consequently helping them to be fully engaged in their learning.

The first part of the book clearly explains the principles of child-initiated play and demonstrates how practitioners can create the best possible environment for very young children, also looking at the resources and practices that need to be in place for them to flourish. There is detailed guidance on the role of the practitioner, including how adults should observe children’s play, before deciding how – or if – to interact in that moment to ensure that each interaction moves learning forward and supports the child’s unique development. The second part of the book tracks some of the events from each month in the toddler room of an outstanding preschool, following a cohort of children through a year, to show how the setting moved from topic-based, adult-led activities to a fully child-led way of working.

Key features include:

  • Over 350 full colour photos to illustrate practice
  • Specific guidance on using the ‘in the moment’ approach with all children, including those with additional needs
  • Advice on working with parents, individual children and groups
  • Examples of individual learning journeys
  • Photocopiable templates of ‘focus-child’ sheets

Covering all aspects of practice from the organization of the room and outdoor environment to the routines and boundaries that ensure children are safe and happy, this book is essential reading for anyone who works with two and three year olds.

part I|138 pages

Key principles

chapter 1|11 pages

Child-initiated play – why?

chapter 2|32 pages

What needs to be in place?

chapter 3|47 pages

An enabling environment

chapter 4|21 pages

The role of the adult

chapter 5|25 pages

The paperwork

part II|129 pages

In action

chapter 6|16 pages

September diary

chapter 7|9 pages

October diary

chapter 8|12 pages

November diary

chapter 9|5 pages

December diary

chapter 10|15 pages

January diary

chapter 11|13 pages

February diary

chapter 12|18 pages

March diary

chapter 13|13 pages

April diary

chapter 14|7 pages

May diary

chapter 15|8 pages

June diary

chapter 16|8 pages

July diary

chapter 17|3 pages

Conclusion