Importance of Play

Imagination and creativity—ideas—arise from having time to think, to ponder and reflect, or just let the mind go.

Can a classroom truly act as a co‑teacher? Designer and educator Robert Dillon shares practical ways to create environments that invite children to explore, collaborate, and grow.

Children have a hardwired mechanism to deal with trauma: play, and in particular, pretend/dramatic play.

What might a decades‑old nursery school—with some of its original playthings still in use—teach us about how children truly learn?

Children learn and build skills through play schemas. Educators can support this by designing environments and curriculum that build and support these patterns.

What is the importance of play, and how can teachers foster joyful play in their classrooms?

Learn why building executive function skills, creates a firm foundation for social-emotional development.

This excerpt from Rae Pica's book, "What if Everybody Understood Child Development?" discusses why pushing academics down into early childhood education, is detrimental to child development.

Why do some children often stand on the sidelines, watching other children? Are they really playing?

Learn about the many benefits of playing with clay and why kids should linger in the exploration stage.

Memory is key in supporting children's meaningful learning experiences. Learn how children can start young exercising their memory muscles through play.