Let’s talk about play: Hear from educators, psychologists and more

We’re always inspired by conversations about play. So we were excited when Mark Swartz of Early Learning Nation, the independent learning magazine devoted to early learning, asked the riveting question, “How can we make this school year the most playful year in history?” This was a meaningful post made even more powerful with illustrations by Art Hondros.

Here are some of our favorite responses, including one from our very own Dr. Deborah Leong:

“Play is how we become human. When we honor the brain’s favorite way to learn, love and lead, we build a world worthy of our children’s power.”
—Berol Dewdney, pre-kindergarten teacher, Commodore John Rodgers School, Baltimore

“Let’s ensure teachers have the professional development they deserve and the tools to actively scaffold play development, and that we establish a powerful foundation of equity in early childhood by ensuring that play is inclusive of all children. We should invest in the idea that ‘Children learn to play and play to learn.'”
—Deborah J. Leong, Ph.D., Co-founder and Executive Director, Tools of the Mind 

“Engage in play with children. It’s as simple as that. Here’s one example: Invite a child to take a walk outside with no particular destination in mind. Let them pause whenever they notice something new to investigate. Relax and enjoy the spontaneity!”
—Sharon Carver, Carnegie Mellon University’s Children’s School

Check out the full post with responses from educators, psychologists and researchers around the country.