Serious Fun ― Guiding Play to Extend Children Learning

A practical book for teachers consisting of 10 YC and TYC articles on the importance of integrating rich content-based, teacher-guided instruction with meaningful child-centered play to nurture children’s emerging capabilities and skills. The emphasis is on teachers’ active, intentional role in children’s play to guide learning. Two sections: four general articles that discuss the topic, followed by six content-area articles on math, literacy, drama, art, STEM, and outdoor learning. Marie wrote the introduction as well as other material. Note: This book will not be part of the Spotlight series; articles will appear as chapters in a book (along the lines of Big Questions, with chapters from different authors but having a cohesive look).

Marie L. Masterson, PhD, is Director of Quality Assessment at McCormick Center forEarly Childhood Leadership, where she oversees evaluation for Illinois’ quality rating and improvement system. Marie is an educational consultant to state departments of education, schools, child care centers, and social service and parenting organizations. She is a national speaker, child behavior expert, researcher, and author of multiple books and articles that address behavior guidance, early care and education, parenting, and high-quality teaching. Holly Bohart is senior editor in Books and Related Resources at NAEYC. She formerly taught in special education early childhood programs.