Spotlight on Young Children: Exploring Play

Emphasize the importance of play from infancy through the primary grades

Supporting Young Children's Play and Learning Discover ways to provide a strong curricular approach for young children’s learning while endorsing a playful pedagogy. The articles in this collection emphasize using play to promote children’s skills in problem solving, decision making, and self-regulation; engaging diverse learners in play activities; and partnering with families to further children’s playful learning. Specific topics include ways educators can: 

• Support infants’ and toddlers’ active explorations with sensory activities and unique materials
• Provide opportunities for children to engage in active, physical play
• Guide children’s learning through art play
• Communicate to others the importance and value of play for children from birth through third grade

This book is part of NAEYC’s best-selling Spotlight series?great resources for the college classroom and for professional development.

Supporting Young Children's Play and Learning Discover ways to provide a strong curricular approach for young children’s learning while endorsing a playful pedagogy. The articles in this collection emphasize using play to promote children’s skills in problem solving, decision making, and self-regulation; engaging diverse learners in play activities; and partnering with families to further children’s playful learning. Specific topics include ways educators can- Support infants’ and toddlers’ active explorations with sensory activities and unique materials- Provide opportunities for children to engage in active, physical play- Guide children’s learning through art play- Communicate to others the importance and value of play for children from birth through third gradeIncluded is a professional development guide with questions and activities to help readers reflect on current teaching practices and inspire them to incorporate new ones.

Holly Bohart is senior editor in Books and Related Resources at NAEYC. She formerly taught in special education early childhood programs.Kathy Charner is editor in chief of NAEYC’s Books and Related Resources department, with responsibility for the content, management, publication, and general excellence of the books and brochures published by NAEYC. Before joining NAEYC, Kathy was editor in chief at Gryphon House for more than 20 years.Derry Koralek, chief publishing officer of NAEYC, oversees the development of all print and digital publishing, including books, brochures, periodicals, professional development guides, posters, and websites for educators and families. Derry is editor in chief of Young Children and TYC—Teaching Young Children.