Play: The Foundation That Supports the House of Higher Learning

by Lisa Murphy

Seven things early childhood educators must do with children each and every day--and an explanation of why they're so important.

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens

192 pages, ebook

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Lisa Murphy, M.Ed., Early Childhood Specialist, Founder and CEO of Ooey Gooey, Inc.

Lisa Murphy has been involved with early childhood education for over 20 years; teaching and working with children in various environments including Head Start, kindergarten, private preschools, family childcare, park and rec centers, group homes and many child care centers.

Lisa is the founder and CEO of Ooey Gooey, Inc. where her mission is to assist in the transformation of the industry of early childhood education by offering 1) the best workshops and trainings; 2) the most up to date materials and resources; and 3) insightful conversations and connections through the power of social media. Lisa presents hundreds of workshops each year to both domestic and international audiences on various topics related to early childhood education.

Lisa has an M.Ed. in early childhood education from Champlain College in Vermont. She has authored four books, produced dozens of teacher training DVD’s and is a popular keynote speaker at educational conferences. Lisa’s standing room only seminars have become nationally known for their information, humor, inspiration and energetic delivery. Frequently asked if she has ever been a stand up comic, Lisa practices what she preaches by blending the learning with the laughing.

Lisa collaborates with Jeff Johnson from Explorations Early Learning on various projects related to early childhood education, including hosting an annual UNConference and producing The Child Care Bar And Grill podcast – which releases two episodes a week to listeners around the globe. Lisa has become known for her ability to link hands-on activities to educational standards, her outspoken advocacy, and her commitment to creating child-centered, play-based early childhood environments. Her understanding of the importance of play is obvious in her personal and professional life.

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Play ~ The Foundation that Supports the House of Higher Learning is another of Lisa Murphy's books that is critical in the discussion between the theories of development of behaviorism vs. constructivism. The current trend by the legislative bodies that send ideas to be used in preschool is total behaviorism or in other words preschool should turn into a traditional classroom where the teacher giving verbal instruction teaches the children. Constructivism is the education of the whole child in an environment where they investigate, explore, examine and discover knowledge with hand-on play in a developmentally appropriate environment. Lisa Murphy shares her experiences, ideas and knowledge how to give children the play environment that they need and learn the most from with humor and passion.

I have had the pleasure at child development conferences to hear Lisa Murphy give a discussion session several times and she is dynamic and a speaker not to be missed if you are lucky enough to find her at a conference. Her website is a good reference for child development educators too. She is known as the Ooey Gooey Lady for her hand-on ideas.

[Marisol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. Lisa Murphy is AMAZING!!! I remember meeting her about eight years ago in Indianapolis and I was star-strucked. She was fantastic. I've been teaching preschool for the past ten years and her book Play is very motivating. It reminds me why I love what I do. When you read the book its like she's sitting there talking to you, great, great, great book!!

[Roxcy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. I found it very easy to read. It really helped me to understand how important playing is for a toddler. Lisa Murphy does a great job using stories from her own experances teaching children.

It's a must read for anyone who spends time with children.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read for fellow ECE who recognize the importance of play-based learning. If you've ever seen Lisa Murphy in person you can practically "hear" her enthusiastic voice while reading this and some of the stories she tells as a keynote speaker are found in this book.

[Nora Elphinstone · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is GREAT! I found it made me reevaluate how I work as an early childhood educator. Lisa murphy has written it in an easy to read and often humorous format. She is amazing,

[Eliza Reker · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for teachers of young children. It is so important to PLAY!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for early childhood professionals.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many good things here! I highly recommend for any ECE or ECSE out there. This stuff is so important and her passion and confidence is inspiring!

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lisa Murphy is a true inspiration to those in the field of early childhood education!

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent!

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm new to reading about education. This book seems like a great defense of the importance of play in early childhood education. I like how practical it is.