Lisa Murphy on Being Child Centered - (Paperback)

About the Book

Offering an in-depth exploration of her approach to working with children, Murphy outlines nine characteristics early childhood programs need to create a child-centered environment where play, developmentally appropriate practice, and academic standards come together under one roof.

Book Synopsis

Lisa Murphy on Being Child Centered provides an in-depth exploration of the author's approach to working with children. Lisa Murphy outlines nine characteristics programs need to build an environment that's child-centered, where play, developmentally appropriate practice, and academic standards all come together under one roof.

Nine characteristics of a child-centered environment:

1. Children are provided long periods of uninterrupted free time to explore their environment
2. Children are provided lots of time outdoors
3. Children are able to explore the environment with few restrictions
4. Adults control the environment, not the children
5. Adults serve as facilitators within the space
6. Adults articulate the intention behind their words and actions
7. Adults are familiar with current research and the key contributions of historical child development theorists
8. Adults are aware of the importance of keeping it real
9. Children are provided time and opportunity to create, move, sing, discuss, observe, read, and play every day

Using true-to-life examples, anecdotes, and Lisa Murphy's signature conversational style, this book presents and explores the true identifying characteristics of a hands-on, play-based, child-centered environment.

Review Quotes

"Sometimes a book leaves the reader crying 'More!' In this case, Lisa Murphy has harnessed her special talents and experience with children to create a small but powerful tool for building a solid foundation under the house we call childhood . . . Her experience, coupled with joy-filled (and often riotously funny) writing style seduce readers into exploring and accepting her nine attributes of a child-centered environment." --Texas Child Care Quarterly, Summer 2020"

Lisa Murphy on Being Child Centered is extraordinary, practical, insightful, and effective. An ideal curriculum text for school district in-service training programs." --The Midwest Book Review

"Creating a Kid Zone: Are you in a truly hands-on, play-based, child-centered environment? Find out with this new book from early childhood expert Lisa Murphy." --Learning Magazine

"Tender, completely engaging, honest, real and relevant to the promotion of PLAY. Everyone should put this book in hand and not let it go." --Daniel Hodgins, author of Boys: Changing the Classroom, Not the Child and Get Over It: Relearning Guidance Practices

"This is honestly the best book I have read about a child-sensitive curriculum." --Tamar Jacobson, author of Everyone Needs Attention: Helping Young Children Thrive

"Very readable and thought-provoking book. . . This very timely book is a must-read for everyone at every level--from newbies in the field to experienced teachers and policymakers." --Jenna Bilmes, author of Beyond Behavior Management, Second Edition

"Lisa Murphy is challenging us to reflect on what we really believe about children and how we put those beliefs into action. She knows we are for the challenge to stand up for children and create the environments they deserve. This book is an indispensable guide for us." --Heather Bernt-Santy, podcast host of "That Early Childhood Nerd"

"Lisa offers very compelling and engaging arguments as to why it is unacceptable to exclude the concepts of play and child centeredness from our national efforts to build a solid foundation for young children." --Maurice Sykes, author of Doing the Right Thing for Children

"Lisa Murphy will help you stand up for children in ways you never imagined. What's more, she'll be by your side, offering unerring, friendly guidance every step of the way. This book is a gem. Absolutely guaranteed to transform your program. I wish all child development books were written by Lisa." --Heather Shumaker, author of It's OK Not to Share and It's OK to Go Up the Slide

"Lisa Murphy on Being Child Centered is a must-read for anyone interested in creating a child-centered, play-based, relationship-focused early learning environment." --Jeff Johnson, author of Babies in the Rain: Promoting Play, Exploration, and Discovery with Infants and Toddlers

About the Author

Lisa Murphy, MEd, has been involved with early childhood education for over 30 years, teaching and working with children in various environments including Head Start, kindergarten, private preschools, family child care, parks and recreation centers, group homes, and many child care centers. As the founder and CEO of Ooey Gooey, Inc., Lisa's mission is to assist in the transformation of early childhood education by offering the best workshops and trainings, the most up-to-date materials and resources, and insightful conversations and connections through the power of social media.