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Ask Hello. Play That Encourages Health, Well-Being, and Expression

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Question

What are some ways you encourage children’s play that nurtures their health, well-being, and creative expression?

In this edition of Ask HELLO, we share excerpts from recent discussions on HELLO (NAEYC’s members-only online forum) that focus on how teachers can support children’s health and well-being through play.

—EYC Editorial Team

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Copyright © 2026 by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. See permissions and reprints online at NAEYC.org/resources/permissions.

Audience: Administrator (director or principal), Faculty, Family, Student (higher education), Teacher

Age: Early Primary, Infant/Toddler, Kindergarten, Preschool

Topics: Child Development, Physical, Fitness, Health, Social and Emotional Development, EYC, Subject Areas, Creative Arts