1st Edition
Conceptual PlayWorlds for Belonging A Practical Resource for 'Mia Belongs Here' and 'School is Where We All Belong'
For effective use, this book should be purchased alongside the story books, Mia Belongs Here and School is Where We All Belong. The books can be purchased individually or as a set, Building Conceptual PlayWorlds for Belonging: Stories and Activities to Build a Sense of Belonging.
Fostering a sense of belonging in early childhood is crucial for the development and wellbeing of young children. This practical resource is for use with children aged 4-8 to help build strong connections and a sense of belonging. Through the practice of mindfulness, children are encouraged to pause and fully engage with the place and moment they are in.
Based on the Conceptual PlayWorld, an evidence-based model of intentional teaching developed by Professor Marilyn Fleer, this book includes a range of research-informed activities. Each chapter provides educators with a Conceptual PlayWorld to implement which will engage children in practical scenarios and problem-solving activities rooted in play. They address different aspects of belonging at home and in school settings, aiming to foster empathy, inclusion, and community in young learners. The narratives are crafted around two foundational storybooks, Mia Belongs Here and School is Where We All Belong, enhancing the connection between storytelling and experiential learning.
In a world of increasing rates of loneliness, disconnection and social isolation, opportunities to encourage a sense of belonging in children have never been more needed. This unique educational resource will help teachers, practitioners and parents empower children to thrive academically, socially and emotionally.
Acknowledgements
About the Contributors
CHAPTER 1: Conceptual PlayWorlds for Belonging
PART 1: BELONGING AT HOME
CHAPTER 2: A Party for King Magpie
CHAPTER 3: Mia's Journey to Belonging Land
CHAPTER 4: Journey to DreamLand
CHAPTER 5: Ying and Unstuffed Ping
CHAPTER 6: A Bird on a Journey
CHAPTER 7: My Smelly Home
CHAPTER 8: The Great Mix Up
CHAPTER 9: The Case of the Missing Garden
CHAPTER 10: Willow’s World goes Topsy-turvy
CHAPTER 11: Willow’s Double-wish Birthday
PART 2: SCHOOL BELONGING
CHAPTER 12: Ali Belongs in our Classroom
CHAPTER 13: Ali's Back to School Adventure
CHAPTER 14: Riko's Undersea Adventure
CHAPTER 15: Riko and the Colour Keeper
CHAPTER 16: Helping Geet Visit her Nani in India
CHAPTER 17: The Stinky Seaweed Emergency
CHAPTER 18: Arthur's Teleportal Adventure
CHAPTER 19: Arthur's Moon Adventure
CHAPTER 20: Trixie's Belonging Box
CHAPTER 21: Trixie's Kindness Quest
CHAPTER 22: Conclusion
Biography
Kelly-Ann Allen is an associate professor, educational and developmental psychologist, and belonging researcher at Monash University. You can find Kelly-Ann on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook @drkellyallen. Resources for wellbeing and belonging can be found at www.drkellyallen.com.
Marilyn Fleer is an Australian Research Council Laureate Fellow and holds the foundation chair in early childhood education and development at Monash University. She researches in the areas of early childhood science, engineering, and technologies with particular attention on digital visual methodology framed through cultural-historical theory. @MarilynFleer is on Twitter and Facebook.
Lara McKinley is an award-winning content producer and communications manager at Monash University. Lara partners with researchers to translate their work to maximise engagement and impact. You can find Lara online on Twitter @Lara_McKinley and LinkedIn and via her website, www.laramckinley.com.
