International Journal of the Whole Child Volume 1, Issue 1, 2016 Introduction and Overview Playing Around in Science: How Self-Directed Inquiry Benefits the Whole Child Brian Stone Conversations in an 8th Grade ELA Classroom: Spaces Where Young Adolescents Can Construct Identities Kathleen Reeb-Reascos Examining the Precepts of Early Childhood Education: The Basics or the Essence? Kathryn Sharp Pictures for Reflection Spotlight on Real-World Practice Puddle Ponderings Criselda Lozon