Importance of Play

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.

Use the Project Approach to capture and extend children's love of learning. Find out what this preschool class learned through a deep dive investigation of rocks.

How to create rich play opportunities outdoors— where the magic happens.

Tune in to children’s interests and extend the play opportunities they love. Responsive teaching inspires lifelong learners.

Start taking steps toward outdoor learning.

We set children up for success by creating boundaries within which they can explore.

Finding the balance between child-led experiences and teacher-directed instruction.

Educators play a vital role in designing environments, interactions, and experiences that will support holistic learning. Envisioning the child as a whole, curious, creative, and capable individual is vital to this approach.