This timely book explores innovative ways teachers can use play-based activities to build a strong literacy foundation for young learners. It is committed to creating classrooms that feature collaborative learning spaces where children work with their peers, assume roles and viewpoints, and communicate naturally with each other.

This comprehensive approach to learning looks at functional and constructive play as well as more structured dramatic play and games with rules. Observations of children's play moments and activities directed by children themselves are shared, along with practical suggestions for how adults can guide students in planned and informal activities to enrich their early literacy skills.

Anne Burke is associate professor of Literacy Education and Early Learning at Memorial University. She researches and writes about the role of popular culture, digital literacies, and the growth of social media in children’s lives. Anne is recognized as a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council researcher. Anne has written books and journal articles on children’s play lives, and the gap between students’ out-of-school, and in-school digital practices. Anne lives in St John’s, Newfoundland.

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