Article 1
Our Proud Heritage: Outdoor Play Is Essential to Whole Child Development | NAEYC
The article discusses the importance of play and how it has been recognized throughout history. It highlights the concept of kindergarten, which emphasizes outdoor play and nature. Both initiatives aimed to provide opportunities for people, especially children, to engage in play and enjoy the outdoors.
Kindergarten and Central Park prioritize the importance of play and outdoor activities.
Kindergarten emphasizes outdoor play for child development.
Central Park provides play spaces in urban areas for people’s well-being.
Article 2
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/yc/may2019/outdoor-play-is-essential
Outdoor play invites children to learn science through exploration and discovery.
It creates opportunities for social interaction and collaboration, building important social and emotional skills.
Outdoor play promotes physical health, helping to combat the rising rates of obesity and related health problems.
Article 3
https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/oct2018/preschool-play-plan-playdough
Without play, kids miss out on the versatility and enjoyment playdough provides.
Lack of molding and creative play can limit easy, fun clean-up activities.
Kids lose chances to practice math skills in a hands-on way.
A lack of play leads to fewer opportunities for kids to learn cooperation.
Article 4
The Power of Playful Learning in the Early Childhood Setting | NAEYC
The article emphasizes the importance of incorporating play alongside reading, STEM experiences, and executive function skills in well-designed curricula.
Play in early childhood settings has often been overlooked in favor of rigid, skills-focused curricula.
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 emphasized early reading and math and leading to less playtime in preschool and kindergarten.
Kindergarten classrooms started resembling “the new first grade” with more structured lessons.
This shift increased stress on educators, children, and families without closing the achievement gap.
Article 5
Our Proud Heritage—Playground: A Historical Context | NAEYC
The article highlights the importance of incorporating play into various aspects of children’s lives, including education planning. It emphasizes that play is not just a leisure activity, but a crucial part of children’s development and wellbeing. By integrating play into schools, parks, and communities, we can provide children with opportunities for exploration, creativity, and social interaction.
This helps foster their cognitive, emotional, and physical growth. So whether it’s through play-based learning in schools or designing playful and inclusive spaces in cities, incorporating play is essential for children’s development.
