More Play, Better Learning: The Seriousness of Play
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More Play, Better Learning: The Seriousness of Play

By Jennifer Stein Parents Know the Power of Play—Why Aren’t Schools Catching On? In a world where test scores and structured lessons often take center stage, play sometimes gets pushed to the sidelines. But here’s the truth: play is not a break from learning—it is learning. Decades of research confirm that unstructured, imaginative play fuels…

child playing with airplane
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How Adult Conversations Shape Dramatic Play

“Do you see my space horse?” A child stands proudly beside a towering structure of Big Blue Blocks, their eyes wide with anticipation. In their world, this isn’t just a collection of foam pieces—it’s a spaceship, and aboard it, a herd of adventurous horses ready to explore the galaxy. How an adult responds in this…

Children Playing Pulling Rope
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Building Resilience Through Play: Helping Young Children Bounce Back from Challenges

Introduction In early childhood, resilience isn’t just a skill; it’s a foundation for lifelong success. As both a dad and a preschool teacher, I’ve seen how play is an ideal way to introduce resilience-building in a way that feels natural and safe for children. Through structured and unstructured play, children can learn to cope with…