Move, Play, and Learn with Smart Steps

“A fabulous resource for teachers, parents, and anyone wanting to understand child development and really stimulate children’s learning. Combining a career-long interest in brain development research with practical applications, Gill Connell has developed this huge collection of background knowledge and useful teaching ideas. The diagrams, photos, and chapter and paragraph headings make the book exceptionally easy to read while separating out ideas so the reader is able to take small or large chunks of information to digest at a time. The temptation is to keep reading, page after page, because it all makes so much sense! This text should be compulsory reading in all early childhood teacher training courses but, because it is not bogged down with jargon, it is equally valuable to parents and other adults in the lives of young children who want to make the most of learning opportunities during a day and build positive, supportive relationships with their children.”—Janet Channon, cofounder and director of Kids Music Company

“A gold mine! This well thought out and organized resource explains the stages of childhood motor development in concise language and clear graphics, making it accessible and understandable to parents and professionals alike. Smart Steps offers a multitude of activity ideas and includes fun and creative modifications for kids of all ages and abilities. I recommend this book to parents, teachers, and therapists who are looking for ways to enrich the motor skills of their kids.”—Brenda Richards, OTR/L, pediatric occupational therapist, author, co-owner of the Center for LifeSkills, codirector of TimberNook of Greater Cleveland

“A must-have resource for all those engaged and involved in the lives of young children in whatever capacity. A uniquely refreshing combination of practical know-how and underpinning knowledge, bound by a profound belief and understanding of the role movement plays in supporting overall development. Easily accessible for parents—there are wonderful ideas for promoting active play—this book also provides professionals with a clear framework to inform and support their daily practice. Well-written and beautifully produced. A ‘smart step’ would be to source this book, now!”—Dr. Lala Manners, director of activematters 

“A wonderfully clear step-by-step activity series providing children with a ‘rich diet’ of movement and play. The very easy-to-understand-and-do series of everyday activities builds the critical body and brain interrelationship, essential for children’s optimal learning and transition into school. This outstanding book sets a new benchmark in children’s activity programs to develop their bodies and brains. It is the most scientifically advanced program currently available and a must for educators, childcare providers, and parents who want to provide the best possible start for their children!”—Graham D. Dodd, Ph.D., founder and chair of TriSkills Australia; Fellow & Life Member of Australian Council for Health, Physical Education and Recreation
 
“Very accessible and loads of fun! Placing physicality at the heart of learning, all the principles of strong ECE practice are skillfully harnessed. Superb color images illustrate how movement can be joyfully integrated into daily life with everyday resources, enabling every child to ‘follow nature’s plan.’ The depth of knowledge regarding being physically active from birth, matched with a clear explanation of how learning takes place through body-brain development, gives this book a valuable place in the work of those caring about children and their education throughout the early years.”—Jan White, early childhood consultant specializing in outdoor play and author of Every Child a Mover