The Value of Play

I found this poem that I think that all of you should read :)
I gives a good perspective of what the value of play really is for children.


The Value of Play

You say that you love your children,
And are concerned that they learn today,
As am I, that's why I'm providing
A variety of kinds of play.

You are asking what's the value
Of having your children play?
Your daughter's creating a tower,
She may be a builder someday.

You're asking me the value
Of blocks and sand and clay.
Your children are solving problems,
They will use that skill every day.

You're saying that you don't want your son
To play in that sissy way.
He's learning to cuddle a doll,
He may be a father someday.

You're questioning the interest centers,
They just look like useless play.
Your children are making choices,
They'll be on their own someday.

You're worried your children aren't learning
And later they'll have to pay.
They're learning a pattern for learning,
For they'll be learners always.

~NAEYC

Early Childhood Education Advocation

Hey Everyone!

I know I haven't written in a long long while but that's besides the point :) I am very excited to say that I have started a facebook page to advocate that children learn through their daily play. Being a student in the Early Childhood Education program i've learned so many amazing techniques and concepts to foster young children's development. Although this is a little sidestep from the actual purpose of my facebook page (The importance is play based learning) I feel a real need to voice some things in regards to caring for children that I think are great things to know :)

While doing a bit of research tonight I found two websites that I am so excited to have found!!! As a student of the Early Childhood Education program i've been taught alot of new concepts in regards to caring for children, respecting children and fostering the development of young children with best practices. Concepts such as validating children's feelings, time away rather than time outs, encouragement rather than praise, positive direction, positively guiding children's behaviour, asking open ended questions and having open ended developmentally appropriate play materials and so so many more. The majority of them were new to me and new to many parents and child car givers. I've seen the value in them from them being put into practise by other educators and putting them into practise myself. I've come to know these concepts as important and these I've found two websites that support early childhood educations philosophy and concepts that come from a mothers and educators perspective. 

I hope that you take some time to take a peek at these websites and let me know what you think about them. 

Thank you!

www.notjustcute.com

www.janetlansbury.com