​  “Play nourishes every aspect of children’s development—it forms the foundation of intellectual, literacy, language, social, physical, and emotional skills necessary for success in school and in life.  Play “paves the way for learning” (The Importance of Play, 2011).  As an early childhood educator, I believe that play is an important part of child development.  That is why early childhood educators and parents should give their children many opportunities to play.

• Build with Blocks: This type of play enhances their intellectual development.  It teach problem-solving skills, and basic math concepts, such as shape, size, geometry, and measurement.  These skills prepare children for more abstract mathematical problems that they will be learning in school.  When children build, balance, and knock blocks down, they begin to learn the meaning of cause and effect, which is a scientific method that is taught in school.  Building blocks help children improve hand-eye coordination, logical thinking, and spatial awareness.  These are all skills that children need to have to be successful in school and in life.  
• Water and Sand play:  This type of play fosters learning in all developmental areas.  It provides opportunities for children to experiment with math and science concepts, strengths their physical skills, advance their social and emotional skills, and enhance language development.  When children are exploring and experimenting with the sand and water, it enhances their problem-solving skills.  For example, a child will begin to learn what objects can float in water, and which ones cannot.  They will begin to understand how things work.  They begin to learn basic math concepts, such as more and less.  Water play enhances eye- hand coordination, promotes cooperative, and imaginative play as well as build children’s vocabulary.
• Dramatic Play: This type of play helps children develop social skills by playing with others.  They develop language skills and build their vocabulary when interacting with others during role-playing.  They learn self-help skills when they set tables, care for their baby dolls, and play dress up.  When educators provide props and materials in the dramatic play area that represents the community and cultural backgrounds of the students, it helps children understand and respect diversity.  They develop early math, literacy, and problem-solving skills when they play grocery store or restaurant.  “Dramatic play engages children in both life and learning.  It is real value lies in the fact that it increases their understanding of the world they live in, while it works to develop personal skills that will help them meet with success throughout their lives” (Cecchini, 2008).

• Outdoor Play: This type of play supports children’s learning in many ways.  When children participate in climbing, running, jumping, and ball activities, it enhances their fine and gross motor skills.  Children build positive relationships, social, communication, and vocabulary skills when they create new games.  Outdoor play promotes a healthy mind for learning, physical growth, and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.

     
          
 
 
 

The first five years of a child’s life is important for them to develop and learn desired behaviors.  In a family-centered program, early educators learn from families and families learn from early educators.  That is why it is essential that early childhood educators and parents work together to encourage desired behaviors at daycare as well as at home.  Developing a positive attachment with a caring adult affects all aspects of behavior and development in young children.  When parents and children have strong, warm feelings for one another, children develop trust that their parents will provide what they need to thrive, including love, acceptance, positive guidance, and protection.  Babies who receive affection and nurturing from their parents have the best chance of healthy development.  A child's relationship with a consistent, caring adult in the early years is associated later in life with better academic grades, healthier behaviors, more positive peer interactions, and an increased ability to cope with stress.

  Ways to Encourage Attachment with Young Children

• Be a good role model.
• Provide age appropriate activities.
• Use positive discipline methods.
• Set and teach simple rules.
• Provide a safe and loving environment for children to explore, play, and learn. 
• Praise children appropriately.
• Form positive relationships with educators, children, and families.
• Reading books to your child every night.
• Eat dinner as a family.

• Spend time playing with your children.
• Show loving affection towards your children.

  Ways to Promote Self-Help Skills

• Provide kid friendly utensils, plates, and cups for children to eat on their own.
• Teach children how to properly wipe themselves and wash their hands after meals and using the bathroom.    
• Plan and provide appropriate activities based on their age and development levels. 
• Teaching children to put their own belongings, toys, books, and materials away when they are finish with them.
• Allow children to help prepare meals, set the table, and do simple chores.
• Provide activities or toys that help children learn to zip, tie, and button.
• Allow children to choose their own clothes and get dress on their own.

   
  Ways to Encourage Empowerment

• Be a good role model. 

• Read books that teach children the importance of positive thinking and good manners.
• Give children opportunities to play, learn, and explore their environment.
• Provide a variety of age appropriate activities.
• Provide a safe, nurturing, and child friendly environment.  
• Teach children rules.  
• Allow children to make choices.
• Teach children good manners.

         
  Ways to Encourage Appropriate Social Development

• Promote play in an early childhood setting and at home.
• Provide a block area for children to build together.
• Provide a dramatic play area for children to use their imagination together.
• Read books to teach children about feelings and emotions.
• Promote sharing, respect for others, and self-control.
• Teach children good morals and values.
• Show children how to express their emotions and feelings in appropriate way.

• Join playgroups or have children involved in extracurricular activities.

 
  Building self-esteem in Young Children

• Be a good role model.
• Respect, listen, and respond to children’s needs. 
• When educators and parents feel comfortable with who they are, children are more likely to feel good about themselves.
• Children are great imitators, so when they see the adults around them displaying self-confidence and self-assurance, they learn those behaviors.
• When adults laugh at and learn from their mistakes, children will realize errors can be corrected.
• Plan activities around the children’s talents, interests, and strengths.
• Allow children to learn new skills and interests that they might find enjoyable.
• Provide a safe, nurturing, and loving environment for children to explore, play, and learn. 
• Encourage children to try new things.
• Praise children appropriately.
• Educators and parents should always value themselves in a positive way.
• Show love and affection towards children.
• Educators and parents need to focus on behaviors, not the child.
• Promote healthy habits.
• Always listen and communicate with children in a positive way.
• Support children’s talents, interests, strengths.