Play Benefits

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…

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…

Baby plays with wooden blocks on the floor.

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…

A baby touches a soft stuffed animal during a sensory play activity.

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…

A toddler plays in a sand table during an interactive learning activity.

Benefits of Interactive Learning: Teaching Kids in a Tech World 

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…

Containers of pastel-colored play dough and play dough tools.

Incredible Benefits of Play Dough: Guide for Parents & Teachers

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….