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…
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…
Key Points Loose parts are open-ended materials that hold no specific instructions or designated use in play. 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…
Black and white books are specially designed to captivate and stimulate babies’ developing brains. Discover why these books are incredible for early vision and cognitive development. Why Black and White Books Good for Babies The simple design of black and white books matches the research on baby brain and eye development. Babies see in black,…
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…
Whether you’re an educator, parent, or simply curious, you may wonder, “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. Block…
Key Points Whether it’s climbing trees, splashing in puddles, or observing tiny creatures, nature play offers endless play and learning opportunities. Let’s learn how nature play supports children’s growth, creativity, and connection with the natural world. What is Nature Play? Nature play is engaging in play and exploration in natural outdoor environments such as a…
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…
Interactive learning is an educational approach based on kids’ active participation. Instead of a video or lecture, children learn by playing, collaborating with others, and exploring their environment. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of interactive learning in early childhood. Experts recommend limiting screen time, especially during early childhood (0-8 years). That’s because screen…
Play dough is a fantastic tool for supporting young children’s learning and development. It is an interactive, open-ended activity that gives children a chance to be creative. Play dough promotes growth in all learning domains, including cognitive, physical, language, and social-emotional. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of play dough in early childhood….