When young children are engaged in imaginative play, they are not just having fun; they are developing skills and concepts that are foundational to their learning. Teachers can get the most out of this critical development time with thoughtful preparations that allow the children to freely explore their creativity and learn from each other. Using simple props and donated items, the book shows how centers can be transformed into rich and rewarding learning spaces for children. Play Today offers dozens of easy-to-do scenarios that will spark open-ended play explorations.  

Ann Barbour is a professor of early childhood education at California State University, Los Angeles. She received a B.A. in American Civilization, a M.Ed. in Elementary Education, and a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. She has taught at preschool and elementary levels and has played an active role in education for 30 years. Ann has studied and written about topics as varied as the importance of building literacy skills at home, playground design that incorporates learning opportunities for children of all developmental needs and abilities, portfolio assessment, and the importance of supporting families to promote the healthy development of children. She is content advisor for A Place of Our Own/Los Niños en Su Casa, a television series for parents and caregivers of children from birth to five, broadcast daily on public television stations throughout California. Blanche Desjean-Perrotta is an associate professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio. She teaches courses in the teacher-training program in early childhood education. She also teaches courses in an alternative teacher certification program for people returning for a second career. Blanche received a B.A. in Elementary Education, a M.Ed. in Early Childhood, a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, and an Ed.D. in Teaching and Teacher Education.