A practical book for teachers consisting of 10 YC and TYC articles on the importance of integrating rich content-based, teacher-guided instruction with meaningful child-centered play to nurture children’s emerging capabilities and skills. The emphasis is on teachers’ active, intentional role in children’s play to guide learning. Two sections: four general articles that discuss the topic, followed by six content-area articles on math, literacy, drama, art, STEM, and outdoor learning. Marie wrote the introduction as well as other material. Note: This book will not be part of the Spotlight series; articles will appear as chapters in a book (along the lines of Big Questions, with chapters from different authors but having a cohesive look).

A guide for teachers about the importance of planning learning experiences that integrate child-centered play with rich content-based instruction. Serious Fun emphasizes a teachers’ active role in children’s play in order to guide learning. Organized into two sections, Serious Fun first looks at strategies teachers can use to connect play to learning. The second focuses on playful learning in math, literacy, drama, art, STEM, and outdoors.

Introduction Marie Masterson“The Case of Brain Science and Guided Play: A Developing Story” B. Hassinger-Das, K. Hirsh-Pasek, R.M. Golinkoff“Engaging and Enriching: The Key to Developmentally Appropriate Academic Rigor” S. Riley-Ayers, A. Figueras-Daniel“Observing, Planning, Guiding: How an Intentional Teacher Meets Standards Through Play”P. McDonald“Talking with Parents About Play and Learning” Laurel BongiornoPart 2“‘There’s a Story in My Picture!’” Connecting Art, Literacy, and Drama Through Storytelling in a Kindergarten Classroom” B. Ripstein“More Than a Foundation: Young Children Are Capable STEM Learners” E. McClure“Supporting Language: Culturally Rich Dramatic Play” I. Salinas-Gonzalez, M.G. Arreguin-Anderson, I. Alanis“Playful Math Instruction in the Context of Standards and Accountability” D. Stipek“Positive Early Math Experiences for African American Boys: Nurturing the Next Generation of STEM Majors” D.B. Davis & D.C. Farran“Preschoolers Play with Bamboo” C. Ward