What is thoughtful play?

Is it just play or is it something much, much more....

When children build structures with blocks, they execute a plan, learning about balancing and shapes. They try out new ideas and make discoveries about geometry and engineering. If they build with a friend, they learn to share, take turns, and work together.

Think about your most memorable learning experiences.

Were you doing something active?

Were you using your hands? 

Were you wondering or questioning? 

Were you curious about what might happen if?  

Did you start with something you already knew? 

Did you learn something new through the process of experimenting and creating?...

Was it fun?

Did you feel a sense of accomplishment when you were finished?

Playing...using one's senses to explore...creates memorable experiences and knowledge that grows with each experience. This type of growth happens spontaneously when children are given the time and space to make play choices, utilize child-sized items and engage their attention. 

Children who spend time in thoughtful play are building all types of skills. They are becoming confident lifelong learners.

Children who spend time in environments that nurture wonder and respect children as resilient, competent learners develop the confidence to be successful in future educational settings.