Lisa Murphy on Being Child Centered provides an in-depth exploration of the author's approach to working with children. Lisa Murphy outlines nine characteristics programs need to build an environment that's child-centered, where play, developmentally appropriate practice, and academic standards all come together under one roof.
Nine characteristics of a child-centered environment: Children are provided long periods of uninterrupted free time to explore their environment Children are provided lots of time outdoors Children are able to explore the environment with few restrictions Adults control the environment, not the children Adults serve as facilitators within the space Adults articulate the intention behind their words and actions Adults are familiar with current research and the key contributions of historical child development theorists Adults are aware of the importance of keeping it real Children are provided time and opportunity to create, move, sing, discuss, observe, read, and play every day
Using true-to-life examples, anecdotes, and Lisa Murphy's signature conversational style, this book presents and explores the true identifying characteristics of a hands-on, play-based, child-centered environment.
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.
Anybody that has a child in their life needs to read this book. If you’re a parent, a grandparent, an aunt, an uncle, a teacher, a babysitter, if there’s a neighborhood kid that just adores you, you HAVE to read this book. It has opened my eyes as a mom and teacher! This book and this author (through workshops and other books) have taught me that there is so much more to children playing than I think anyone realizes (especially the ones that are taking recess away). Play is such a loaded word! Read this book to see how fully loaded it actually is! I also suggest that you read Lisa Murphey’s book Play!
A must read for anyone with young children, both parents and educational providers alike!
While this is written in the lens of early childhood education centers, there is so much to be learned here from a parent perspective. I will certainly be able to apply this to my own interactions with my children and the environment of my home, and I’m excited to assess how I’m currently supporting play for them and work to improve it, particularly during the summer and school breaks.
I got a copy of this book at the AECA conference this year and finished the book in two sittings. It was so good!! I can’t wait to reread it and truly dissect each bit. But I promised a coworker she could borrow my copy, so I’ll reread it when she is done!
This book is incredibly beneficial for preschool teachers and parents looking to adopt a child-centered approach. It provides clear explanations of the importance of play in children's development