Play is essential to child development. When principals and other instructional leaders are able to see what learning through play looks like in a classroom, they are better equipped to help teachers promote developmentally-informed practices.
These are many factors that contribute to poor academic and life outcomes, according to a newly published report by the Child Trends Hispanic Institute.
Teachers can foster diverse skills and abilities in early childhood classrooms. Read how Ms. Charlotte Brown affected the students and parents in her program
There’s a lot children can get out of exploring something they’re interested in. Here are just a few of the things we do together. Although the central focus may be trucks, there’s lots of variety.
No one can predict what habits and interests will stick with a child. But if you never offer up the opportunities, the odds will always remain at zero.
As Walter Drew and Marcia Nell say, “Memories of joyful and meaningful play experiences help bind families together emotionally, even long after children are grown.”
We parents hold the power to not only look for child-directed play in the small everyday moments in children’s lives, but also to value and support it.
