Play is the child

Play is the child’s response to life. Author Unknown

Home A Virtual Tour of Cathy's Kids -Read an article "The Power of Play" Math readiness page Kindergarten readiness page About Cathy	The Power of Play

	Have you ever heard someone remark about an early childhood program – even ours, perhaps – “All the children do there is play”? At good early childhood programs there is a lot of play – and there should be!

	Years of research on children’s learning and development document the many benefits of play for children’s intellectual, social, emotional, physical and language development. Children at play are actively involved in creating themes, exploring and establishing environments, solving problems, and developing shared responsibilities.

	Children play in many ways. They play independently, sometimes near each other but with each child engrossed in his own activity. They engage in what is called “parallel play,” perhaps using each others’ toys or even talking, but not coordinating their play. They also play cooperatively, organizing roles and scenarios for group play. As they get older, children are capable of more cooperative, coordinated play. But all kinds of play are valuable.

	As kids play with each other, they learn to see other children’s viewpoints and begin to become more empathetic and caring. They come to understand customs and rules in their own culture and to appreciate those of others. They learn to use language in new ways to describe their play and to interact with others. And in play, children develop their muscles and coordination.

	Adults support children’s play by providing space, opportunity, and materials. We set up areas where kids can play without fear of damaging furniture or injuring themselves. We make sure that they have the time to choose and to become engaged in their own play activities. And when we provide them with simple, interesting materials – no newfangled, expensive gadgets required – kids take it from there.

	Play is fun. But it is also serious business that pays big dividends to its eager young investors. That’s why we call it WORK TIME here - A child’s work should be play! (Adapted from an article by NAEYC)

	Click here to see a virtual tour of Cathy's Kids play environment!
	If I Had My Child To Raise Over Again Original Author Unknown If I had my child to raise all over again, I'd finger paint more, and point the finger less. I'd do less correcting, and more connecting. I'd take my eyes off my watch, and watch with my eyes. I would care to know less, and know to care more. I'd take more hikes and fly more kites. I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play. I would run through more fields and gaze at more stars. I'd do more hugging, and less tugging. I would be firm less often, and affirm much more. I'd build self-esteem first, and the house later. I'd teach less about the love of power, And more about the power of love.