‘PLAY FIRST’ is a book and video resource for kindergarten teachers, child-care providers and parents who are looking for wholesome alternatives and fresh inspiration in their work.

The book tells the story of a group of adults who created a new mixed age Steiner Kindergarten with male staff, in a mainstream primary school. It has 46 pages and over 60 colour photographs. Topics include the value of play, a rationale of curriculum choices and how this compares to Montessori, new insights into ‘challenging behaviours’, relationships and building community, and a focus on the role of the adults in early childhood, which is relevant to both teachers and parents.

The half-hour video/DVD was filmed over two mornings at ‘Barnumbi’ in November 2003, with scenes from free-play, ‘work-based’-play, tidy-up and transition times, song-time, morning-tea and story-time.

Kim has experience and training in both mainstream and Steiner education, and has worked in Steiner Playgroups, Kindergarten and as a Class Teacher, as well as presenting adult education and parenting seminars around Australia.

This book and video resource follows a previous publication, ‘Songs and Stories Together’ – a one-hour video of material for early childhood educators and playgroup leaders, with a companion hand-written and illustrated book to expand the collection further.

Cost in Australian dollars: ‘Play First’ : $65 + $10 postage

‘Songs and Stories Together’ : $65 + $10 postage

(Cheques payable to ‘Kim Billington’)

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