There is an interesting new article in The Atlantic about the importance of play in the education of children: Learning Through Play: Education does not stop when recess begins. The article primarily discusses older kids in elementary school, but the take home message resonates for preschool aged kids as well:
“It’s not taking a break from learning when we talk about play,” he told me, rattling off a litany of cognitive, physical, mental, and social-emotional benefits. “Play is one of the most important ways in which children learn.”
…bolstered by a relatively new focus in education on social-emotional learning, preventing bullying, and reducing childhood obesity, recess has made something of a comeback.
At Kids First, we take the whole cognitive development of children seriously, even when that means being playful.
Kids First believes that a child’s self-image is the most important ingredient in the learning process and that play is vital to a child’s learning and each child is unique in his or her mental capacities, emotions, skills and interests. The center offers experiences that will enrich and enhance each child’s cognitive, language, social, emotional, physical and creative development. We offer a balance of self and teacher-directed activities, so that the child may develop a positive self-concept. Opportunities for solitary play as well as group activities are provided. We respect the parents right as the primary and most important provider of care and nurturing and believe that together, parents and teachers can provide children with a feeling of self-competence and instill important cognitive concepts and promote sharing and cooperation.
We encourage you to read the entire article linked to above.
Kids First Learning Center 