THE IMPORTANCE OF PLAY TO CHILDREN’S LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT IN EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAMS

Evanston Early Childhood Directors’ Council  “Playing to Learn/Learning to Play”
High quality early childhood programs teach children to think creatively so they may succeed in a complex and ever-changing world. Purposeful play is developmentally appropriate and a significant element of any early childhood program. This paper emphasizes the importance of play in a child’s intellectual, social, emotional and physical development. Play is a way of learning. During a typical preschool day there will be structured and unstructured periods, enabling children to learn at their own rate. Values which support learning through play include: Children viewed as thinkers, reflecting about their world; Purposeful play is when children learn through the process of their efforts; Children gain knowledge by building on a path of ever increasing knowledge; Children are encouraged to make choices and practice individual decision-making. Learning environments support purposeful play by:  Various sizes and materials of blocks;  Materials and time for dramatic, imaginative play and Manipulative and table toys.  Include: Art materials and tools to explore - Sensory play materials, including sand and water - A library area - Music and movement activities - Cooking experiences - Computer exploration - Outdoor and gross motor play - A quiet area for the child who needs to be alone -  Ample and rich language and print - Writing tools and materials.