Types of Play

Child doing small world dramatic play with doll house

5 Key Dramatic Play Benefits: How to Use Pretend Play for Learning

Key Points What is Dramatic Play? Dramatic play is when children use their imagination to take on roles and act out different scenarios, like pretending to be a superhero, parent, animal, or occupation.  Also known as pretend play, make-believe play, or role-playing, it’s a powerful way for kids to explore the world while creatively expressing…

Toddlers explore a heuristic play basket.

11 Powerful Benefits of Heuristic Play for Child Development

Key Points During my infant/toddler CDA (Child Development Credential) training, I first learned about heuristic play. Throughout my years working with children, I’ve continually revisited heuristic play, witnessing its profound impact on their play and learning. Let’s explore those powerful benefits. Then, I welcome you to visit my post on heuristic play examples and the…

Basket of wooden objects for heuristic play activity.

Heuristic Play: Simple, Impactful Ideas for Babies and Toddlers

Heuristic play offers young children their first chance to learn about everyday objects. Through play and exploration, children will build an understanding of items they will use for the rest of their lives. As a developmental therapist with 12 years of experience in classrooms and homes, I’ve witnessed the impact of heuristic play. My interest…

A toddler explores a sorting set during a container play activity.

The Magic of Container Play: Boost Baby & Toddler Learning

As a developmental therapist, I regularly recommend container play to parents and infant/toddler teachers. This simple, open-ended activity has powerful learning benefits, and the best part—children love it! Key Points Definition: What is Container Play? Container play is a type of play where babies and toddlers explore putting objects into containers and dumping them out….

Two children and a parent pour water into a water table outside.

The Surprising Benefits of Water Play for Kids | Free PDF

Water play offers valuable support for children’s learning and development. Explore its benefits in this guide by a children’s developmental therapist. Key Points Definition of Water Play Water play is a sensory activity where children explore, manipulate, and interact with water, often at water tables indoors or outdoors. Water play is an incredible learning activity…

A family plays together with a puzzle.

Types of Play in Early Childhood: Everything You Need to Know

Updated: September 28, 2024 From nature play to block play, risk-taking to art, discover the stages, benefits, and activities that shape children’s development. This guide breaks down the essentials for parents, educators, and caregivers. Explore all types of play in the early childhood years. Stages of Play Child development theory has two well-known “stages of…

Child draws with markers during a process art activity.

Process Vs. Product Art in Early Years: The Must-Know Differences

In early childhood education, there are two important approaches to art: Process Art and Product Art. Understanding the difference between them is key for parents and teachers. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of each and why nurturing creativity is vital for our young artists. Key Points What is Process Art An approach that…