Early Childhood

Incorporating developmentally appropriate practice by definition allows children to do the “work” they are best capable of, which we often call “play”. “Play involves a free choice activity that is self-motivated, enjoyable and process oriented” (Johnson, Christie & Yawkey).

Time to play allows children to lay the many and varied experiences foundational to later success physically, socially and academically.

Children learn to abstract, to try out new roles and possible situations, and to experiment with language and emotions with dramatic play. In addition, they develop flexible thinking, learn to create beyond the “here and now”, stretch their imaginations, use new words and word combinations, and use numbers and words to express ideas, concepts, histories, and dreams.