What can I do to promote play at home and in the schools?
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) has created useful guides for parents and caregivers looking for ideas on how to enhance their children's opportunities for developmentally appropriate play. To access these guides, visit NAEYC's Play Resources for Parents and Families.
Talk to your child's teachers. Ask them how they incorporate learning through play in their classrooms. Because children learn through hands-on, concrete activities and experiences, express your concerns if your young child sits at a desk most of the day completing coloring pages or worksheets. Tell them about your findings from articles like Childhood Education's To be Successful--Let Them Play! by Sally C. Hurwitz.
Many schools are greatly reducing recess time. Find out how much time your child engages in recess and physical activity in school. If your child has few opportunities for unstructured physical play, voice your concerns to your school's teachers and administrators. Visit Rae Pica's article, 7 Reasons Why Kids Need Recess, to help you formalize your arguments in favor of recess.
Talk to your child's teachers. Ask them how they incorporate learning through play in their classrooms. Because children learn through hands-on, concrete activities and experiences, express your concerns if your young child sits at a desk most of the day completing coloring pages or worksheets. Tell them about your findings from articles like Childhood Education's To be Successful--Let Them Play! by Sally C. Hurwitz.
Many schools are greatly reducing recess time. Find out how much time your child engages in recess and physical activity in school. If your child has few opportunities for unstructured physical play, voice your concerns to your school's teachers and administrators. Visit Rae Pica's article, 7 Reasons Why Kids Need Recess, to help you formalize your arguments in favor of recess.
