This excerpt from Developmentally Appropriate Practice illustrates the ways in which play and learning mutually support one another and how teachers connect learning goals to children’s …

Jun 2, 2025 · Play is an important part of children's learning and development. Find articles on how to intentionally connect play and learning, ideas to share with families, and the latest …

Feb 28, 2017 · 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 …

Play provides rich learning opportunities and leads to children’s success and self-esteem. Laurel Bongiorno, PhD, is the director of Champlain College’s graduate program in early childhood …

We can help families understand why play is critical for preschoolers’ learning and development—and how play sets children up for future school success.

The curriculum does this through learning experiences that reflect what is known about young children in general and about each child in particular. Learning through play is a central …

When we appreciate the important role play serves in a child’s learning about self and world, we give children the time and opportunity to engage in the self-initiated play that is the surest way …

During play-based learning, teachers are often subtle participants or gentle guides who seek to enrich or expand on the present experience. With the card game, I was able to reinforce an …

That communication should include practical and playful examples that promote and encourage children’s learning of these skills in early childhood education spaces. The good news is that …

NAEYC defines “developmentally appropriate practice” as methods that promote each child’s optimal development and learning through a strengths-based, play-based approach to joyful, …