This open access book develops a theoretical concept of teaching that is relevant to early childhood education, and based on children's learning and development through play. It discusses theoretical premises and research on playing and learning, and proposes the development of play-responsive didaktik. It examines the processes and products of learning and development, teaching and its phylogenetic and ontogenetic development, as well as the 'what' of learning and didaktik. Next, it explores the actions, objects and meaning of play and provides insight into the diversity of beliefs about the practices of play. The book presents ideas on how combined research and development projects can be carried out, providing incentive and a model for practice development and research. The second part of the book consists of empirical studies on teacher's playing skills and examples of play with very young as well as older children.

The circus show is about to be cancelled because the circus train with all the animals and performers, coming from another town, has not arrived yet to Meezeland. The kids and their families are ready for the show. They will be very disappointed if the show is cancelled. Will Taby and his friends be able to help Mr. Trevor, the owner of the circus, save the day-or will Mr. Trevor have to cancel today's circus show? Find out in the story of "Trouble in the Circus."

The Spring Festival organized by the King of Meezeland will begin tomorrow morning. The King is getting ready for the big party. He can't find his crown. The king has looked for his crown everywhere. It seems that somebody stole it. But the Festival can't begin unless the crown is found. Will Taby and his friends be able to find the crown today or will the King have to cancel the Spring Festival? Find that out in the story "The King and the Crown."

Monsters and ghosts can be pretty spooky, especially when they try to scare people or cause trouble. But are monsters real? Do ghosts exist? Find out in the story of "Monsters Are Not Real," in which Taby, Alana, and their friends solve the mystery of a monster and a ghost that wanted to take over Rocky Point Park in Meezeland.

Do you like it when other people show how much they love you, respect you, and care about you? We all do. But what happens when others take you for granted and forget to show you those signs of love? Do you feel good? Probably not. Enjoy this fun story in which the alphabet letters escape from school because they do not feel appreciated. Will Taby, Alana, and their friends be able to make the letters feel better and go back to school? Find out in the story of "Where is the Alphabet?"