Play & Development

Performing for friends When children play, they're not just having fun. Play is in fact critical to their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development. Why is play so important? Simply swinging high in the air, blowing bubbles, drawing pictures, singing silly songs.... These activities let children use and develop all of their senses. They learn important skills, develop balance and coordination, strengthen their muscles, and are healthier and happier!

Read more about how to plan a playspace that encourages the healthy development of every child.
Sensory Play
Pretend Play
Creative Play
Reflective Play
Movement
Nature

Play & Literacy

Helpful Links
Alliance for Childhood (2003). Time for play, every day: It's fun - and fundamental. Turn the Page Press. http://www.turnthepage.com/upload/403.pdf

The American Association for the Child's Right to Play. IPA declaration of a child's right to play. http://www.ipausa.org/declare.htm

Child Play International, http://www.childplayinternational.org/

Ginsburg, K.R. (2007). Clinical report: The importance of play in promoting healthy child development and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. American Academy of Pediatrics. http://www.cnaturenet.org/uploads/playFINAL_1.pdf

KidsHealth (2006). Raising a fit playschooler. http://www.kidshealth.org/parent/fitness/general/fit_preschooler.html

MacPherson, K. (2002). Development experts say children suffer due to lack of unstructured fun. Part 1 of series. Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/lifestyle/20021001childsplay1001fnp3.asp

MacPherson, K. (2002). Creative play makes better problem-solvers. Part 2 of series. Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/lifestyle/20021002childsplay3.asp

MacPherson, K. (2002). Experts call unstructured play essential to children’s growth. Part 3 of series. Post-Gazette. http://www.post-gazette.com/lifestyle/20021003childsplay3.asp

Montgomery Childcare Association. (February 2004). MCCA Focus: Shifting the argument for play. http://www.mccaedu.org/pdf/play-flyer.pdf

National Playing Fields Association. (2000). Best Play: What play provision should do for children. http://www.ncb.org.uk/dotpdf/open%20access%20-%20phase%201%20only/bestplay_cpc_20040115.pdf

(Photo courtesy of Snug and Outdoor)