Play Matters

Investigative and Exploratory Learning for Preschool to Grade 2

By Kathy Walker

PRE ORDER NOW ~ Publication date November 30, 2025

$62.95

In this highly successful resource, Kathy Walker demonstrates the key principles of the Walker Learning Approach that she has developed over 15 years of observation, participation and presentation in schools and child care centres across Australia.

Play Matters provides practical guidance and innovative strategies for teachers working with young children from preschool to Grade 2, through a unique balance of explicit instruction in literacy and numeracy skills and personalised, explorative learning. The book promotes the active engagement of all young children, with an enhanced focus on children from diverse backgrounds as well as children with specific needs.

Play Matters is packed with pedagogical features to support implementation in any educational setting. It contains a full colour section of photographs.

Organisational ideas and resources are provided, along with a comprehensive bibliography for further reference and advice.

Download the Appendices documents for planning, assessment and reporting activities in Word or PDF.

ISBN: 9781923569089

Size:

pages

Publication date: November 30, 2025

About the author: Kathy Walker

Kathy Walker, Founding Director, Early Life Foundations

Kathy Walker is one of Australia’s leading parenting and education experts, public speakers and authors. In 2012 and 2014 she was nominated for the Australian of the Year award, and in 2014 was awarded an Order of Australia (OAM). She is the Founding Director of Early Life Foundations, a leading parenting and education consultancy. Her expertise in parenting and early childhood education spans 30 years.

Kathy is a leading author with Penguin Publishing and the Australian Council for Educational Research. Her texts for parents include Ready, Set, Go?, What’s the Hurry?, Parenting and her most recent book Future Proofing Your Child. Kathy’s texts for educators include Play Matters – Investigative Learning for Preschool to Grade 2 and Engagement Matters – Personalised Learning for Grades 3 to 6.

Kathy is one of the country’s leading curriculum and teaching and learning experts in personalised learning. She is the designer of the Walker Learning Approach, a major personalised learning pedagogy (preschool to Year 8) that is implemented in Australia and internationally.