This outstanding book is a compelling read for all early childhood educators offering a vibrant and engaging insight into the visual arts as essential and vital languages of young children. It is a book which raises the profile of the visual arts, the quality of practice and its impact on young childrens learning by empowering its reader to reflect on their pedagogy, practice and provision. It is a book woven with theoretical perspectives and expert practical guidance which will become a constant reference for all working in early childhood education.
Debi Keyte-Hartland, Pedagogical Early Childhood Consultant & Artist-Educator, UK
Art Play and Inquiry makes an invaluable contribution to early childhood literature, offering a rich theoretical understanding of the value of early childhood arts practice and providing in-depth knowledge to support adults to confidently embed engaging visual art practices. Playful inquiry is central. Children expressing their ideas and feelings, making decisions and choices and in turn finding their voice, generating new ideas and making sense of their world. This book will directly impact practice leading to more children taking delight and flourishing through the visual arts. Highly recommended reading.
Pete Moorhouse, Early Childhood Creative Consultant, UK
This book is an essential resource for every early childhood methods class. It seamlessly bridges theory and practice, making it the perfect guide for both preservice and experienced educators. For teachers hesitant about introducing art to young children, it offers empowering strategies and builds confidence. Packed with practical insights and easy-to-implement ideas, it equips educators with strategies to inspire creativity in the classroom. Whether you're just starting out or have years of experience, this book will be invaluable in fostering a dynamic, engaging learning environment for young learners.
Kathy Danko-McGhee, PhD, First Encounters: An Art Studio for Little Ones, USA
This volume offers visionary and hopeful support for early childhood educators. Rich with pedagogical and artistic guidance its a valuable companion in creating and engaging in meaningful art experiences together with children and for ensuring the arts have a central place in childrens daily lives. The authors encourage educators to be fully present and nurture their own artistries while opening joyful, playful, vibrant and expansive spaces for childrens curiosity, creativity, and artistic expression. Its a beautiful invitation for adults and children alike to see the arts as sites of personal and relational flourishing.
Sylvia Kind, PhD, Capilano University, Canada
This is a must read text for every early childhood educator. It is a comprehensive, accessible and inspirational account of the why, what and how of visual art in early childhood. It takes the reader by the hand and walks them through the theories and practices that underpin the magic of making art. It finishes with a treasure chest of art materials, activities and techniques; the how of teaching the visual arts. This text is guaranteed to empower educators to embrace the visual arts as a leading activity for learning.
Margaret Brooks, Associate Professor Early Childhood Education (retired), Australia
The authors offer a varied set of lenses through which to understand the inestimable value of Art with young children. Students of education, teachers, and college educators will find a unifying thread weaving the practice of art activity with major theoretical trends in the field from around the world. This book represents a major contribution to the field of early childhood education.
Sylvia Chard, Professor Emeritus at the University of Alberta, Canada
This exciting new book provides comprehensive coverage of all the things that are needed to provide high quality art education for young children. Backed up with current education theory and research, and illustrated with beautiful examples of good practice, this book is essential reading for practicing teachers as well as students in training. Parents of young children and people with an interest in art education will also find it helpful for understanding the importance of art education in an ever changing world.
Lisa Terreni, PhD, Arts advocate and adviser, New Zealand
