Serious Players in the Primary Classroom: Empowering Children Through Active Learning Experiences, 2nd edition » (2nd Edition)

After 10 years of accolades for Serious Players in the Primary Classroom: Empowering Children through Active Learning Experiences, Selma Wassermann provides readers with a second edition to her classic. Building on the original work, this new edition offers further insight into Wassermann's notion of organizing for instruction known as "Play-Debrief-Replay" - a way of structuring curriculum experiences to promote children's active learning in cooperative groups and to foster independent thinking. The book also provides a theoretical framework for implementing teaching for thinking in primary classrooms. By updating references and adding a new chapter on moral dilemmas, including information that is consonant with constructivist ideologies, Wassermann continues to promote ways of teaching that stimulate children's appreciation for social and ethical issues. Her approach is holistic; it not only honors the play of children, but also the work of teachers. Accessible and enlightening, this new edition is a must-read for all early childhood professionals. Parents, too, will find this volume useful.

Booknews

Working from a perspective of how children's feelings of personal power are strengthened, Wasserman (education, Simon Fraser U.) provides teachers with specific strategies for using play to help children learn important concepts in the different curriculum areas. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)