Author: Alysia Marshall-Seslar

Hello, I'm Alysia (uh-lee-shuh), a developmental therapist for infants and toddlers with a B.S. in early childhood education. As the founder of Well Beings with Alysia, I want to demystify child development for parents and educators. I create resources to nurture children's learning through nature play, books, and play-based activities. Let's explore all the information I wish I'd had during my days as a toddler teacher.
The Magic of Loose Parts: FAQs from Teachers & Parents

The Magic of Loose Parts: FAQs from Teachers & Parents

Loose parts are open-ended materials that hold no specific instructions or designated use. They are items that children can move, manipulate, and combine in countless ways, encouraging imaginative play and exploration. I’ve already shared a comprehensive list of loose parts materials (check out that post for a FREE PDF download). But now, let’s explore the meaning and…

10 Benefits of Block Play: Unlock the Power of Blocks

10 Benefits of Block Play: Unlock the Power of Blocks

Discover the ten benefits of block play and learn how simple building activities support all learning domains. From fostering creativity and problem-solving to promoting social interaction and physical abilities, block play has a significant impact on children’s development. What is Block Play in Child Development? Block play is an imaginative, open-ended learning activity where children use…

The Best Block Play Activities & Environments for Young Children

The Best Block Play Activities & Environments for Young Children

Explore our favorite block play activities for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Block activities support children’s creativity, learning, and physical development. I’ll share block activities and games you can introduce at home or in the classroom, along with tips to promote a block play environment. What is a Block Play Activity? Block play is an imaginative,…

The Ultimate Introduction to Block Play in Early Childhood

The Ultimate Introduction to Block Play in Early Childhood

Whether you’re an educator, parent, or simply curious, you may be wondering what is block play exactly? This guide will give you a deeper understanding of how playing with blocks nurtures children’s learning and development. What is Block Play? Block play is an imaginative, open-ended learning activity where children use blocks to construct and investigate….

Nature-Based Early Childhood Education: Learning in the Natural World

Nature-Based Early Childhood Education: Learning in the Natural World

Let’s discover the magic and power of nature-based early childhood education. Explore how learning in the natural world benefits young children. Find answers to popular questions, nature-based learning activities, and ideas to add more nature-based education to your early childhood classroom or program. What is Nature-based Early Childhood Education? Nature-based early childhood education incorporates the…

What is Nature Play? Learn from an Early Childhood Expert

What is Nature Play? Learn from an Early Childhood Expert

If you’ve ever watched children experience pure wonder while exploring outdoors, you’ve witnessed the magic of nature play. As the founder of a website promoting nature play, I’m way overdue in writing this blog post. Whether it’s climbing trees, splashing in puddles, or observing tiny creatures, nature play offers a world of endless exploration and…

Benefits of Sensory Play for Babies: Important Experiences

Benefits of Sensory Play for Babies: Important Experiences

You may wonder if sensory play is good for your baby. The answer is yes; sensory play has many benefits to a baby’s development. It is an important learning experience during the infant years! Sensory play is children’s way to explore the mind-body connection. Sensory experiences stimulate sensory systems throughout the body, sending messages through…