DOUBLE TAP TO ZOOM WITH PHONE OR TABLET What further questions do you have after completing this self-assessment? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ Using This Book This book is divided into eight chapters. Chapter 1 explores how play connects to standards. Chapter 2 asks you to reflect on the value of play and how you commu- nicate that value to others. Chapter 3 uncovers the kinds of connections children make through play and shares reflections on the ways play has changed. Chapter 4 describes possible reasons children have difficulty in play, which can range from language differences to special needs. Chapter 5 delves into the ten sections of the Play Checklist. It takes you through each section of the checklist step-by-step. Chapters 6 and 7 help you analyze the results of the Play Checklist, write goals, choose strategies connected to the goal, and define a role for yourself during play with an individual child who is struggling with play skills. Chapter 8 provides an opportunity to reflect on your plans and strategies. By examining how play fulfills early learning standards and practicing responses to questions about the value of play, you will be more able to help parents, col- leagues, and funders support play in your setting. When you complete this book, you will understand how developmental challenges affect children’s play skills, identify where a child is having problems, and form goals and a plan for the child. Finally, you will learn to step back and evaluate the plan to see if it is working. You will continue developing your skills as you go through these steps for children in your group again and again. Supporting children as they learn new play skills is part of becoming an intentional teacher. This book is designed to be interactive and is meant to encourage thought, reflection, and discussion. As you reflect on and then plan and implement new play strategies, you become a more intentional teacher providing children with rich play experiences. COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL Introduction | 9