1. Active Play
The Importance of Play in Early Childhood Education
While observing a child playing, you may think that they are wasting their time by not learning
and just occupying yours. That is far from the truth. Play is much more complex and teaches
children necessary skills that are valuable throughout their life. John Locke believed that all
people are born with “blank slates” and the best way for them to learn was through physical
activity ("Early Childhood Career"). Play helps children develop mentally, physically,
psychologically, and emotionally (Sluss). These are only a few reasons why it is important that
play is incorporated within early childhood education curriculums.
Beginning at birth, children begin playing, and do so throughout their childhood; only to build on
their existing skills-making play more complex as they learn and grow (Sluss). Infants begin
playing by themselves and seem to forget about toys as soon as they are out of sight. As children
grow older, they begin to play with other children, and parallel play becomes evident at around
age two (Ramseyer). Around ages three and four, children begin expanding their play and
associative play becomes apparent (Ramseyer). Lastly, as children develop more socially, they
begin to move more into cooperative play (Ramseyer). However, many types of play can be
observed at any ages.
It is important for play to be incorporated into early childhood education programs because it is a
necessary part of a child’s development. In addition, allowing children to play in other
environments besides their homes gives them the opportunity to explore more surroundings and
interact with more people. Children learn many things from other children, which gives play the
chance to expand a child’s knowledge in many ways. During play, children explore many
environments and are forced to solve certain problems that arise (Sluss). This allows children to
build on their problem solving skills which will be extremely valuable later in life. “Problem
solving skills are essential for social and academic success, and children develop most of their
early problem solving abilities through play.” ("Baby Classroom").
Another advantage of children engaging in play in various environments and in different
situations is that it helps build and expand their imaginations (Sluss). Their imagination is based
on the child’s creativity, as well as, their emotions and dexterity (Ginsburg 182-191). Jean
Piaget believed that “…as the child develops and constantly interacts with the world around him,

2. Active Play
knowledge is invented and reinvented” (Ginn). Through his studies, Piaget concluded that the
child’s environment, along with heredity factors, create the child’s intellectual development
(Ginn). This shows that a critical component within a child’s learning process is allowing
children to play freely and explore their environment. Adding multiple environments for
children to play in only expands their learning through various surroundings and opportunities.
When play is incorporated into an early childhood education curriculum, it is important that it is
not limiting for the child and that it is developmentally appropriate. In other words, a child’s
play should not be influenced by teachers telling them to play with certain toys, or with certain
children. Play should be child directed, and free to develop a child’s creativity and knowledge
fully. In addition, a child’s play environment should provide toys and activities that are
academically appropriate. The materials should allow children of that age to play with them and
receive the highest benefits possible. No materials should be too advanced, or on a lower level,
than that of the child’s ability.
When play is not incorporated into an early childhood education program, or it is not designed
for the maximum benefits possible, the child is being deprived valuable experiences that help
complete their optimal development. Without play, children will not be able to develop the
physical skills necessary for their bodies. Also, children’s social skills, mental skills, and
emotional skills are reduced from their full potential as a result of little play.
In conclusion, play is a necessary part of a child’s growth, and should be maximized to its fullest
potential. Play should be incorporated into every early childhood development program, and
should be assessed frequently to assure its positive results.

3. Active Play
REFERENCES
"All in a Day's Play -- The Importance of Play in Early Childhood Education." Baby Classroom.
BabyClassroom.com, 2010. Web. 26 Mar 2010. <http://www.babyclassroom.com/article
learn-play.html>.
"Early Childhood Education History." Early Childhood Career. Early Childhood Career, n.d.
Web. 23 Mar 2010. <http://earlychildhoodcareer.com/early-childhood-education
history>.
Ginn, Wanda. "JEAN PIAGET - INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT." S&K. N.p., n.d. Web.
25 Mar 2010. <http://www.sk.com.br/sk-piage.html>.
Ginsburg, Kenneth. "The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and
Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds." American Academy of Pediatrics 119.1 (2007):
182-191. Web. 26 Mar 2010.
<http://aappolicy.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/pediatrics;119/1/182>.
Ramseyer, Viola. "Stages Of Play." Ezine Articles 28, Dec 2007: n. pag. Web. 25 Mar 2010.
<http://ezinearticles.com/?Stages-of-Play&id=900253>.
Sluss, Dorothy. Supporting play. Wadsworth Pub Co, 2005. Print.