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Play — A Magical Experience
March 23, 2009
Disappointments are to the soul what thunderstorms are to the air.
-Johann C. F. von Schiller
-Johann C. F. von Schiller
"Young children's play is creative and even magical. Young children bring curiosity as well as a sense of discovery and delight to their play. As teachers or caregivers, we need to take our cues from the children — instead of thinking 'What child outcome, learning goal, or rubric must I cover today?' we need to find that sense of wonder and curiosity in ourselves: 'I wonder how I can support Dali as he continues to build tall spaceships with cardboard tubes and boxes?' or 'I'm curious about whether and how children will use the donated cell phones in their play.' If teachers could keep this perspective in mind, perhaps some of the stress and frustration I heard on the phone would dissipate. These adults could get back to doing what they know best for children — supporting their active learning by joining in play."
Today we are unveiling our latest resource, our CD book, The Value of Play.
This CD book, which we developed in partnership with the HighScope Educational Research Foundation, includes over 90 Exchange and HighScope articles by play authorities including David Elkind, Jim Greenman, Elizabeth Jones, Margie Carter, Amelia Gambetti, Ed Klugman, Beth Marshall, Karen Stephens and Rusty Keeler on the following topics: - The Purpose of Play
- Advocating for the Value of Play
- Play in Practice
- Taking Play Outdoors
- Play Materials
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ExchangeEveryDay is the official electronic newsletter for Exchange Press. It is delivered five days a week containing news stories, success stories, solutions, trend reports, and much more.
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Comments (4)
Displaying All 4 Commentsbraininsights
United States
It is wonderful to see an increase in the information being published on the importance of play!!
The focus of my work is to create an awareness and understanding of of early brain development. There is nothing children need more than loving interactions and play for healthy brain development! The brain development activity packets I have developed, provide ideas for play and fun interaction in everyday life. It is so important that parents and caregivers integrate this into a child's experience!! Thank you for sharing information on the value of play!
United States
I simply love the connection between the words play and magical...being in the field over 17 years I never tire at watching what takes place when children play. If only the powers that be would recognize that a play learning environment for children 0-5 is actually building the foundation by which children learn, take away the play part and adding structure instead would be like building on land fill and in San Francisco during the Loma Prieta earthquake structures collapsed without the proper foundation.
A flag went up for me and I wanted to remind that cell phones are dangerous to children. They contain hazardous substances and are considered E-waste.
color outside the lines
tyler, TX, United States
amen and amen and amen....from a person who retired from directing (for 35 years) a center based in play. Our children were reading and writing (when ready) before they left us without the 'benefit" of the standard "alphabet on the top of the wall" or letter of the week. The rooms were rich in marvelous books and experiences.
Northampton Christian Pre-School
Cuyahoga Falls, OH, United States
The State of Ohio has embarked on a "Step Up To Quality" program in order to improve professional development in early childhood. A large part of the program is geared toward aligning standards set by the Department of Education. I have serious concerns that we will trade the benefits of play for a focus on standards. Why can't we allow pre-school children to enjoy childhood at least until they reach Kindergarten?
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