See the literacy already happening and know what to do next
The Play-Based Literacy Guidebook helps you notice the literacy already unfolding in children's play, name what children are demonstrating, and decide whetherâand howâto respond without turning every moment into a lesson.
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 Immediate access to the downloadable PDF.
Notice what is happening. Name the learning. Decide whatâif anythingâthe moment needs from you.
Whatâs inside The Play-Based Literacy Guidebook
- The Notice â Name â Decide framework to help you observe more closely, name the learning already unfolding, and decide whatâif anythingâthe moment needs from you.
- A flexible developmental roadmap connecting oral language, emergent reading and writing, phonological awareness, and early decoding.
- A clear explanation of play and the science of reading, including where explicit instruction fits without taking over childrenâs play.
- Practical tools and real examples, including reflection pages, observation checklists, documentation templates, linked video clips, and playful practice options.
- A complete guide to storytelling and storyacting so you can begin using this powerful literacy practice with children.
Itâs part research guide, part practical toolkit, and part planning framework. All designed to help you respond to the literacy already unfolding in play.
I need this!This Guidebook Is For You If . . .
âď¸ You're an early childhood educator who wants to teach foundational literacy skills through connection and joyânot worksheets.
âď¸Â Youâre new to play-based learning and want a framework for explicit instruction without sacrificing child-led exploration.
âď¸Â Youâre a seasoned teacher whoâs ready to deepen your understanding of how literacy really develops.
âď¸Â Youâre a homeschooling parent looking for simple, effective strategies grounded in research and play.
Imagine This . . .Â
Feeling Confident
that you're supporting every stage of literacy developmentâfrom oral language to phonics.
Knowing How To Respond
when a child writes âKTâ for âcatâ or "CCC" for their name (and why it matters).
Being Able To Explain
the âwhyâ behind play-based literacy to skeptical administrators or parents.
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Watching Children Light Up
when storytelling and storyacting becomes part of the daily routine.
Using Guided PlayÂ
like games, movement, and open-ended materials to reinforce skills without the eye rolls or resistance.
âAll of the magic in one place!â
âI like the guidebook because itâs all of the magic in one place! The videos showing examples of the games and storytelling in action are my favorite and so helpful. Itâs also clearly organized and beautiful, with lots of real-life learning through play happening in the photos.â
âAnneke, Founder and Director of a nature-based program
I need this!Frequently Asked Questions
What's the format?
What age group is this guidebook designed for?
I already use a play-based approach. Whatâs different about this?
Do I need to follow a specific curriculum or program to use this?
Meet the author, Laura Shea
Laura Shea is an educator, author, and storyteller with 15 years of experience in public-school preschool and kindergarten classrooms. She holds a masterâs degree in teaching reading and serves as an adjunct professor at City University of Seattle. Drawing on her background in the science of reading, her work as an author of decodable texts, and years of learning alongside young children, Laura created this guidebook to help educators connect research with joyful, responsive practice.
Get it now for $97!
