Every early years practitioner should be able to captivate and maintain the interest of young children in their setting, through the provision of a playful learning experience.

Section 1: Principles of Playful Teaching and LearningChapter 1 Why Playful Teaching and Learning? - Glenda WalshChapter 2 Mental Models of Early Years Practice: Digging Deeper - Liz SprouleChapter 3 Pillars of Practice for Playful Teaching and Learning - Glenda WalshSection 2: Playful Teaching and Learning across the CurriculumChapter 4 Playful Thinking in Action: Tools for Cultivating Children's Thinking - Carol McGuinnessChapter 5 Playful Pedagogies in Early Childhood Mathematics - Ross Ó Corráin and Elizabeth DunphyChapter 6 Playful Approaches to Literacy - Catherine GillilandChapter 7 Growing the Child in the Playful Setting - Marion Dowling and Glenda WalshChapter 8 Playful Learning in Natural Outdoor Environments - Richard GreenwoodChapter 9 ICT Made Playful - Christine StephenChapter 10 Playful Approaches to Science and Technology - Andrea Doherty and John McCullaghSection 3: The Role of the Playful ProfessionalChapter 11 Hopeful Intentions: Planning for Playful Teaching and Learning - Jacqueline FallonChapter 12 Assessment in the Playful Teaching and Learning Experience - Glenda Walsh and Elizabeth SprouleChapter 13 Towards the Playful Professional - Dorothy McMillan