Infants and Toddlers at Play

This book is an invitation to discuss play materials as the “right stuff” for supporting whole child development and well-being. It offers developmental snapshots of the four stages of infancy, lists of suggested play materials and books appropriate for each stage, and concrete guidance on how and why to use these resources with infants and toddlers, making it the perfect guide for infant and toddler teachers and families. 

—Diane M. Horm, George Kaiser Family Foundation Endowed Chair and Director of the Early Childhood Education Institute (ECEI), University of Oklahoma-Tulsa

This is a wonderful overview of how to support children from birth to age 3 with a rich selection of developmentally appropriate play materials. Each idea invites teachers to engage the hearts and minds of young learners thoughtfully and responsively.

—Peter L. Mangione, Senior Director of Early Childhood Strategic Initiatives, WestEd

Utilize this enlightening book and you will experience much joy with children! It offers a full range of practical play strategies, unique materials, and positive outcomes most appropriate for healthy human development. Beautifully written and illustrated, this book is an extraordinary resource for anyone seeking inspiring approaches to play and nurturing happier, more well-balanced children.

—Walter F. Drew, Founder and Executive Director, Institute for Self Active Education and Dr. Drew’s Toys

McMullen and Brody offer a reflective and reader-friendly array of play materials, activities, and practical suggestions for infant and toddler teachers that inspires quality interactions and teaching practices. Helpful appendices include highlights of early development, children’s books that correspond to developmental interests and needs, and suggestions for further reading. This is an excellent resource for new teachers!

—Susan L. Recchia, Professor Emeritus, Early Childhood and Special Education, Teachers College, Columbia University

This thoughtfully crafted book outlines the learning that happens during play for very young children, providing readers with the perfect balance of developmental reasoning and application strategies for immediate use. I will be using this book in my trainings for infant and toddler teachers going forward. 

—Jessi Beedle, Infant/Toddler Early Childhood Education Specialist, Early Childhood Connections

McMullen and Brody offer clear-eyed explanations of the what and how of materials for supporting learning and development. Notably, they also establish why these open-ended play materials and interactions are important across all areas of development for infants, toddlers, and twos. 

—Nancy File, Professor Emerita, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee