Let Them Play: An Early Learning (Un)Curriculum

Playtime is focused, purposeful, and full of learning. As they play, children master motor development, learn language and social skills, think creatively, and make cognitive leaps. This (un)curriculum is all about fostering children's play, trusting children as capable and engaged learners, and leaving behind boxed curriculums and prescribed activities. Filled with information on the guiding principles that make up an (un)curriculum, learning experience ideas, and suggestions for building strong emotional and engaging physical environments, Let Them Play provides support to those who believe in the learning power of play. Jeff A. Johnson spent twenty-five years as a child care provider in center- and home-based programs. He now works full time as an author, keynote speaker, podcaster, toymaker, and early learning advocate. He is the author or coauthor of six other Redleaf Press books. Denita Dinger has been a child care provider for more than fifteen years and operates a family child care program. For the last five years, she has been a frequent keynote speaker at early childhood conferences, focusing on the topics of hands-on learning and learning through play.

About the Author :
Denita Dinger: Denita Dinger has been a child care provider for twelve years and currently operates a Giggles and Grins Daycare and Preschool in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. She has been a professional speaker at several conferences for early childhood professionals. Jeff A. Johnson: Jeff A. Johnson has twenty years of child care experience with children of all ages in a variety of programs. He operates a family child care program and presents keynote speeches and trainings at conferences both nationally and internationally. Jeff is the author of five other Redleaf Press books.

Review :
"It's strange how the words, "Go play!" conjure up some of our happiest memories as kids--and our deepest fears as parents? If kids are just PLAYING, aren't they missing out on learning? The opposite is true, as Jeff Johnson and Denita Dinger deftly prove in this great read, which reminds us all that games and play aren't the empty calories of childhood--they're the vitamins, the vegetables, the protein, AND the sprinkles." --Lenore Skenazy, author of the book and blog, Free-Range Kids "Let Them Play: An Early Learning (Un)Curriculum is a book you should wrap your arms around and hold close to your heart. Don't let it out of your sight. It constantly reminds us that play is not just a conversation, but also a combination of beliefs and practices. This book is filled with current research on why play is so important. At the same time, it fills our hearts and minds with fun, creative, and child-friendly ideas that extend the curiosity of children." --Daniel Hodgins, early childhood consultant and author of Boys: Changing The Classroom, Not the Child "It's strange how the words, "Go play!" conjure up some of our happiest memories as kids--and our deepest fears as parents? If kids are just PLAYING, aren't they missing out on learning? The opposite is true, as Jeff Johnson and Denita Dinger deftly prove in this great read, which reminds us all that games and play aren't the empty calories of childhood--they're the vitamins, the vegetables, the protein, AND the sprinkles." --Lenore Skenazy, author of the book and blog, Free-Range Kids "Let Them Play: An Early Learning (Un)Curriculum is a book you should wrap your arms around and hold close to your heart. Don't let it out of your sight. It constantly reminds us that play is not just a conversation, but also a combination of beliefs and practices. This book is filled with current research on why play is so important. At the same time, it fills our hearts and minds with fun, creative, and child-friendly ideas that extend the curiosity of children." --Daniel Hodgins, early childhood consultant and author of Boys: Changing The Classroom, Not the Child