Vivian Paley's philosophy centres on several key principles:
Child-centred learning: Children are viewed as capable, curious learners who construct knowledge through play and social interaction.
Power of storytelling: Narrative is seen as a fundamental tool for learning, self-expression, and building community.
Importance of play: Fantasy play is considered crucial for cognitive, social, and emotional development.
Inclusive community: The classroom is envisioned as a democratic space where every child's voice is valued and heard.
Observant teaching: Educators are encouraged to closely observe and document children's play and stories to inform their practice.
Paley (1990) summarised her philosophy: "The classroom is a stage, and we are all players with important stories to tell" (p. 32). This approach emphasises the interconnectedness of play, storytelling, and learning in early childhood education.
Paley's philosophy advocates for a learning environment that respects children's natural inclinations towards play and storytelling, using these as powerful vehicles for learning and development. It challenges more structured, adult-directed approaches to early education, instead prioritising children's own narratives and imaginative experiences (Paley, 2004; Cooper, 2009).