Theme Play

Book excerpt: Out of his years of experience in working with children, Zingher identifies some of the powerful and evocative themes of childhood, and explores why these touch children so deeply. He encourages professionals who work with children in school, camp, club and library settings to consider using these themes to develop thoughtful and creative programs and units of study. Included are recommended books and videos that illustrate each theme, questions for discussion, possible starting points (readalouds, stories to be told, sensory experiences, interesting objects etc), follow-up activities, and examples of fully described and developed thematic journeys. In this time of standards and accountability, this book reminds us of the joy of teaching and learning, and the power of the imagination.