Parents & Caregivers



"Play with parents sets the stage for children's ability to successfully play with peers."



Dr. Rachel E. White



WHY PLAY?



  • Play is how children first learn!

  • Play helps children develop seven essential life skills: focus & self-control; perspective taking; critical thinking; making connections; communication; taking on challenges and self-directed, engaged learning.
  • Play fosters curiosity and a life-long love of learning!
  • Play sets the stage for literacy.


"Children learn as they play. Most importantly, in play, children learn how to learn."



O. Fred Donaldson



QUICK TIPS FOR PLAY AT HOME


VISIT OUR BLOG FOR MORE

  • Build with blocks! Blocks provide a great start for imaginative play, building early math, problem-solving, and creative thinking skills.
  • Dress up! A suitcase filled with old clothes, accessories, and costumes sets the stage for dramatic play.
  • Pretend! Household items such as socks or wooden spoons can become spontaneous puppets for story building.
  • Sing! Singing builds pre-literacy skills. Make new verses to your favorites songs- the sillier the better.


WANT TO LEARN MORE ?


RESOURCES from the naeyc

Play is Children's Work





Thinking Skills Through Play and Exploration
(Avanza para la versión español)





Desarrollar habilidades del pensamiento a través del juego y la exploración (English version on previous slide)