The context of our learners

The interactive nature of this book celebrates diverse learning preferences. We recognise some learners engaging with this textbook are pre-service teachers, others are currently working in the field and have rich existing practices. We recognise some learners are exploring play-based approaches, in terms of possible strategies and assessment approaches that can be embedded in the classroom. We also recognise that adult educators will use parts of this textbook in tertiary settings. We welcome you all. 

The nature of the learning

When constructing teacher knowledges like any other process one undertakes, there are several key moments designed in the text. Moments of encounter when faced with new knowledge, reflection, and practical actions. This text includes activities that support readers to consider definitions and terms, reflect on practice, and develop strategies for the educational setting. To engage with these activities, this interactive textbook uses a range of learning elements.

We ask you to consider closely the opportunities to read and, of course, the opportunities to watch. These are particularly interesting because they often showcase excellence in current practice, with educators in the field sharing their stories. There are also opportunities to listen and find out what experts in the field are saying about play-based approaches in classrooms. We encourage you to listen to those as well.

The writing is interspersed with opportunities for you to solidify your understanding by writing definitions, making lists of examples or downloading resources. There are listening, viewing, speaking, and reflecting interactives. Please be ready to capture your learnings by either writing them down with pen and paper or keeping a digital record.

Most of us need reflective moments where we can evaluate what we’re learning; those are built into this textbook as well. You’ll be asked at different points of the book to:

• speak a reflection into a microphone,
• or make notes,
• or make a link between something you’ve watched, read or heard and an example that you’ve seen in your own practice,
• or a strategy that you think you might implement.

We would like you to be open to hands-on participation with this book. Read it purposefully, but also contextualise it to your own practice.

Keep in mind

Play the below introductory podcast (1:43). It shares with you the best ways to engage with the structure of the interactive textbook and the ways in which it can support your learning.

Chapter outlines to guide your reading

The goal of the book is to provide teachers with theory and contemporary practice, as well as a range of pedagogical skills that further support your observations of children’s play activities. Strong observation skills directly influence assessment and curricular outcomes.

This textbook is therefore focused on placing a spotlight on play-based learning possibilities and assessment potentials. To do this, the book has been broken up into four major sections covering important aspects and practices when connecting play-based learning to curricula and assessment:

• Chapter 1. What is play-based teaching and learning.
• Chapter 2. Implementing play-based approaches in classrooms.
• Chapter 3. Assessing student learning through play-based approaches.
• Chapter 4. Different ways of looking at assessment in play-based approaches.

In each chapter, learning objectives outline the key focus areas and practices that are discussed. In many cases, interactive exercises and examples are available.

This textbook is interactive, meaning that although each chapter has text content, it also has interactive digital content. For example, quizzes, podcasts, simulations, interactive videos, and images with clickable hotspots. Learners also receive instant feedback as they engage with the interactive content. This means you can learn, reflect on the experience, and check your understanding all in one place.

We have designed for equitable access to information when digital connectivity is not a consistent option for the learner. This means that the downloadable version of this book will have text-accessible versions of the interactions embedded in the page. Similarly, video or podcast content will be available on an appendix page at the end of each chapter.

We look forward to sharing this journey with you.