Let Them Play: An Early Learning (Un)Curriculum

by Denita Dinger, Jeff A. Johnson

Let children experience the learning power of play

Children’s play is focused, purposeful, and full of learning. As children play, they master motor development, learn language and social skills, think creatively, and make cognitive leaps. This (un)curriculum is all about supporting child-led play, trusting children as capable and engaged learners, and forgoing packaged curriculums and prescribed activities. Let Them Play explains the guiding principles of an (un)curriculum and how it gives children the freedom to play, includes suggestions to create spaces that promote healthy development and learning, and supports those who believe in the learning power of play.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Paperback

First published March 13, 2012

Reviews

[Kristin Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I put so many post it notes in this book that I realized I need to buy it and own it! Inspiring - totally reminds me to let the kids lead while I go with the flow. Probably why I let my 6 kiddos chase around the classroom this morning. I knew it was good for them! 🥰

[Eliza Reker · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you teach early childhood, I highly recommend this book about following the kids' lead in their learning and starting an (un)curriculum.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as a complimentary copy from Redleaf Press and asked for a review, if I would like to give one.

Definitely worth checking out! I love that they shared the reasons behind it, explain how children learn, discuss the importance of the caregiver taking care of him/herself, and encourage BABY steps to making changes.

So many AMAZING quotes throughout the book such as:

"But seeing the depth and breadth of all the available learning opportunities requires looking through a child's eyes. It's something we all used to do instinctively, but now we need to practice to do it again.

The job of caregiver in an (un)curriculum is to see learning moments and make the most of them, building on the child's prior knowledge and life experience. Spotting learning in everyday life takes practice and requires caregivers to slow down a bit."

They aren't saying to re-create the wheel (the way you do things), but to look at the reasons why and try making small changes to improve the experiences for the children.

[Pri Sca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this up because I have been doing a pseudo preschool for Julia with another friend and her son. We assessed the progress and decided to go more activity based and I think this book helped me get back in the preschool mindset. It was easy to read and I got through it quickly. However, I wanted more practical help. There was some in the ending chapters, but I need a little more.

[Sara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the workbook format and all the book suggestions, but there's not a lot of concrete suggestions as far as activities, opening up doors to kids, etc. I find that in a lot of unschooling books--we get that kids are natural learners but it's nice to have some open ended ideas for parents, so there's really not much new here aside from the book suggestions. Great reminders about ideas that Holt, Llewellyn, Gatto, etc. have already written about. I think this may be written in a more digestible format for parents of young kids--maybe a little less dry than some previous unschooling books.