Paul Mackie — Early-Childhood Educator & Author
Together, these four books form a complete, practical guide to child-led, play-based early childhood education — from philosophy, to observation, to environment, to connection through story and play.
The New Approach to Early Childhood Education
THE NEW APPROACH TO
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
A Practical Guide for Child-Led Learning in Homes and
Local Communities (Ages 3–8)
A gentle shift in how we support young children.
This foundational book introduces a child-led, play-based approach to early childhood education that begins with observation instead of instruction.
Rather than following rigid programs or outcomes, adults learn how to prepare environments that respond to children’s natural interests and developmental rhythms.
This book lays the groundwork for understanding why child-led learning works — and how to support it with confidence.
🌱 Why this approach matters
✅ Respects each child’s individual pace and interests.
✅ Reduces pressure to “teach” and increases meaningful engagement.
✅ Supports emotional, social, and cognitive development through play.
✅ Helps adults feel clear, confident, and purposeful in their role.
🎨 Inside the Book
✔ A clear explanation of child-led, play-based learning.
✔ The adult’s role: observe, prepare, and respond.
✔ Simple frameworks to guide daily practice.
✔ Real-world examples for homes, classrooms, and community spaces.
📖 This book is the foundation of the series — offering clarity, direction, and reassurance for adults ready to step into a new way of supporting children.
📘 Available in Printed softcover Book.
A NEW APPROACH TO
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
A Practical Play-Based Guide for Supporting
Children’s Interests (Ages 3–8)
When children lead, learning follows.
This book focuses on how to recognize, follow, and expand children’s interests through play. It helps adults move away from pre-planned activities and instead respond to what children are naturally drawn to — turning curiosity into deep, meaningful learning.
Rather than asking “What should I teach next?”
this book helps you ask “What is the child showing me?”
Why following interests matters
✅ Increases focus, engagement, and persistence.
✅ Encourages motivation and confidence.
✅ Supports learning that feels meaningful, not forced.
✅ Builds stronger adult-child relationships.
📘 Inside the Book
✔ A simple 3-step method for following children’s interests.
✔ Practical examples of interest-based play.
✔ Guidance on expanding play without directing it.
✔ Support for mixed-age groups and individual needs.
📖 This book bridges observation and action — showing adults how to respond thoughtfully to what children care about most.
📘 Available in Printed softcover Book.
Creating Pay Spaces That Support a Child's
Exploration, Focus, and Independence
The environment is the invitation.
This practical guide shows how to design play-based learning environments that support children’s independence, problem-solving, and sustained engagement — using simple, everyday materials.
Rather than cluttered rooms or themed setups, this book focuses on intentional, flexible spaces that invite children to explore deeply and return to play again and again.
🧩 Why environment matters
✅ Encourages longer periods of uninterrupted play.
✅ Supports independence and self-direction.
✅ Reduces overstimulation and clutter.
✅ Makes play easier to manage for adults.
🎨 Inside the Book
✔ Step-by-step guidance for setting up play environments.
✔ Examples of construction, sensory, art, story, and movement spaces.
✔ How loose parts support whole-child development.
✔ Practical layouts for homes, classrooms, and care settings.
📖 This book is a hands-on setup guide — turning child-led philosophy into physical spaces that truly work.
📘 Available in Printed softcover Book.
STORY TIME MADE SIMPLE
Connecting Generations Through Storytelling & Play
Everyone has a story to tell — teachers, parents, grandparents, and caregivers alike. This book helps you bring stories to life through simple, creative methods that connect children and adults through imagination, play, and shared moments of joy.
Why storytelling matters
✅ Builds love and connection between generations.
✅ Encourages creativity, memory, and imagination.
✅ Helps children feel grounded in family and community.
🎨 Inside the Book
✔ Easy, 3-step method to Tell – Build – Read your stories.
✔ Simple guides to create story tables, shadow play, finger rhymes, and puppet play.
✔ Inspiring play methods that can be adapted for classrooms or homes.
✔ Low-cost materials — use what you already have around your home!
📖 Story Time Made Simple celebrates the joy of storytelling as a bridge between ages, helping children learn, helping senior adults remember, and giving families a way to connect through stories that matter.
📘 Available in Printed softcover Book.
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