The idea that play is children’s work is well known, however, play has fallen by the wayside recently in favor of ensuring that young children are ready for Kindergarten and beyond, including the standardized tests just around the corner in the primary grades. As early childhood practitioners, it’s important to realize that facilitating play and giving children opportunities to engage in free play is actually the best way to ensure that they develop the skills needed to be successful once they enter school and as they progress through life. Here are some informative articles on some of the efforts underway to bring play back to the forefront and help people to understand the important role play has in the lives of young children.
Effort to Restore Children’s Play Gains Momentum
New York Times Published: January 5, 2011
Want to get your kids into college? Let them play
By Erika Christakis and Nicholas Christakis, Special to CNN, December 29, 2010
If you would like more information or want to schedule a workshop on play for your program, please call Dana Doyle at ext 113 |
