Spotlight on Young Children: Exploring Play [Paperback]

Supporting Young Children's Play and LearningDiscover ways to provide a strong curricular approach for young childrens learning while endorsing a playful pedagogy. The articles in this collection emphasize using play to promote childrens skills in problem solving, decision making, and self-regulation; engaging diverse learners in play activities; and partnering with families to further childrens 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 childrens 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.As Shabazian and Soga (2014) point out, infants and toddlers need to play with objects that stimulate and enhance brain development by having access to open-ended materials, which do not have predetermined puposes but instead offer many possibilities (61). Art materials are inherently open ended. We put them within reach of all the infants and toddlers, and the children use them as they please. According to Shabazian and Soga, this type of play helps young children develop divergent thinking, which they define as the ability to view a problem from different perspectives (62). Divergent thinking, these authors note, is an important step in developing problem-solving skills.Emphasize the importance of play from infancy through the primary gradesHolly 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 NAEYCs Books and Related Resources department, with responsibility for the content, management, publication, and general exls6