Applying the “Mantle of the Expert Approach” to Center Play in Higher Education Preparation of Early Childhood Teachers

This chapter explores the use of playful pedagogies, with a particular focus on the Mantle of the Expert (MoE) approach, in college and university courses for teacher-preparation students. The chapter begins with a description of a provocation in which students arrive in a classroom to find footprints, chairs in a circle, and a scarf, leading them to engage in dialog and discover Maurice Sendak’s children’s book, Where the Wild Things Are. The authors highlight the benefits of incorporating play and storytelling in the learning process and emphasize the role of MoE in engaging students of all ages, fostering critical thinking, and developing connections to course concepts. They discuss the importance of reflection and the use of a reflective learning cycle in MoE, emphasizing the transformative potential of experiential learning. The chapter examines the connections between play, critical and creative thinking, and teacher creativity. Emphasizing the need for playful, responsive, and flexible learning opportunities in higher education, the authors advocate for project-based learning to create engaging learning environments. The authors conclude by discussing the potential of decentralizing grades and centralizing play to enhance student motivation and learning outcomes, highlighting the benefits for students and future educators.