The document discusses the importance of play in kindergarten education. It notes that play is how children learn skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and language. Without opportunities for free play, children do not develop important cognitive and self-regulatory abilities. However, many modern kindergartens have less time for play due to pressures to focus on standardized test preparation and scripted curricula. The document argues this is counterproductive, as play is critical for children's development and success.

1. The Power of Play
in Kindergarten
Rebecca Poerfield
Wilkes University
The mind of the five-year-old represents,
in one sense, the height of creative powers.
– Howard Gardner
Gardner, H. (2007) Five minds for the future (First eBook edition, p. 157). Boston: Harvard Business School Press.

2. Why is play
so important?
It’s how children learn…
• teamwork
• role-playing
• language & speech
scenarios
• problem-solving
Photo by woodley wonderworks. On Flickr here.

3. Without the
freedom to play…
Children don’t learn…
self-regulation, a central
element of…
executive function, a critical
cognitive skill.
Photo by Sarah Gilbert. On Flickr here.

4. With strong
self-regulation…
Children can beer control
their emotions & behavior…
• resist impulses
• show self-discipline
• pay aention longer
• learn beer
Photo by woodley wonderworks. On Flickr here.

5. Kindergarten today—
no room for play?
Administrators demand
measurable results…
budgets go to vast amounts
of printed material…
that supports a test-driven
curriculum. Photo by woodley wonderworks. On Flickr here.

6. Kindergarten today—
no room for play?
Mandated-curriculum
materials have replaced…
• dress-up box
• sand & water table
• kitchen set
• painting easels
• block area Author’s photo. On Flickr here.

7. Kindergarten today—
make room for play!
The ironic thing is…
in trying to give children
all they need to succeed…
we have compromised
an innate activity that
helps them more. Photo by Brooke Bocast. On Flickr here.