The relevance of narratives for the understanding of human activity and development is becoming widely acknowledges in education. This book explores the

potentials of a narrative approach for the innovation of early childhood education, both on a theoretical and practical level. Distinguishing different types of

narratives (narratives of children, narratives for children, narratives about children) the theoretical chapters in part one address these different types of narratives

and discuss the dynamics involved. In part two one particular popular narrative about young children ( ‘The narrative of the playing child’) is elaborated and

related to painstaking attempts at innovating early childhood education practices (for children of 3 – 7/8 years old). The impact of the narratives on the

implementation of a play based curriculum is illustrated with detailed examples in different areas of the early years curriculum, addressing different issues in the

implementation process in a theory driven way. This book challenges all people interested in early childhood education: student teachers, teachers, teacher

trainers, researchers, curriculum developers, educators.