Enriching the Lives of Children

Book excerpt: Enriching the Lives of Children is an exploration of innovations in teaching and learning. The book reflects scholarship, synthesis and creativity as the author reviews decades of research and practice on educational and instructional reforms designed to enrich learning and life for children, through novel and stimulating experiences. The author reminds readers of the early notions of learning coming from such great thinkers as Aristotle, Husserl, Vygotsky, Piaget and Bruner; and, the parallels to the thinking of modern constructivist philosophers and teachers today. Teaching for meaning and constructing knowledge and understanding is important. Providing enriching, novel and stimulating instructional and supportive experiences is essential for successful learning and holistic development. The author presents theoretical propositions about the need for authentic pedagogy and whole child development. Moreover, findings reveal that learning does not take place as a separate and isolated event. Brain, body and the developmental domains work together. Attention also is given to the nature and relationship of creativity to learning and development; and, particularly the contributions of play. Interesting suggestions and models from around the world are provided about children’s learning and enrichment, within and outside of the classroom. As a leading scholar and interdisciplinary expert in education, psychology and learning environments across the lifespan, King provides a service to educators, parents and those interested in child development by synthesizing volumes of research into a coherent whole, with excellent suggestive strategies that can be used in educating and raising children. Theoretical insights and strategies found in this book will improve the academy of teaching and learning and serve as a useful resource for educational and childcare professionals, policymakers and parents. For those that care about the future of our children and education, Enriching the Lives of Children is essential reading.