Jean Piaget and Maria Montessori knew that play is the work of the child. This month, our agency would like to focus on the Approaches to Learning Through Play Pennsylvania early learning standards. These standards describe the essential life skills that enable a child to grow, learn, develop and become a successful member of his/her community.
Allowing children time to play is essential to their brain development. Sergio Pellis, a researcher at the University of Lethbridge in Alberta, Canada reported that “The experience of play changes the connections of the neurons at the front end of your brain.” “And without play experience, those neurons aren’t changed. It is those changes in the prefrontal cortex during childhood that help wire up the brain’s executive control center, which has a critical role in regulating emotions, making plans and solving problems.”
We want to provide our toddlers with experiences that stimulate critical thinking, communication, problem solving and collaboration. How can we do this?
We want our toddlers to use their senses to explore and learn from their environment: touch, see, feel, smell, hear. We are so fortunate in Erie County! We have beaches, woods and creeks.
Make art using interesting materials found in your home or yard. Our Pinterest board is full of awesome ideas.
Ask questions. How does it work? Create and provide opportunities that encourage organizing, sorting, constructing and applying knowledge.
The Boston Children’s Museum posted a wonderful article about the Power of Play. It states that “For a child, play is the vehicle for exploring and learning, developing new skills, and connecting with others. Through self-directed play, children can follow their interests, explore the unknown, link outcomes with choices, conquer their fears and make friends.”