Advocating for Child-Centered Curriculum and Play

Dear Editor,

Young children today are missing a key component to their learning experience. While there has been much focus on preparation for grade school and overall academics, the concept of child-centered activities is shrinking from the preschool curriculum. Almon (2002), states that the central role of creative play in children’s healthy development is well supported by decades of research. Through play, children have unique experiences and then apply what they learn to their everyday life. Play is vital to healthy brain development (Ginsburg, 2007). Children learn to explore with their senses, take chances, learn from their mistakes, problem solve to figure out how things work, and pick up on social skills. These skills children gain during play are all necessary for children to function in society.

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It is imperative that we help foster young children’s learning by allowing them to engage in play so that they can have meaningful learning experiences. Children benefit the most from child-centered activities which can easily be defined as play. Geist & Baum (2005), explain how a child-centered curriculum embraces the children’s differences, encourages active learning, and promotes deep understanding. Children that engage in child-centered play become involved in activities that are significant to them. For example, a child who is interested in animals will be more receptive to learning about animals. Through play, children can learn about the characteristics of different animals, the environment they live in, and what they eat. Participating in active learning or play can help a child gain information that becomes important when developing simple science skills such as classifying animals and knowing about their habitats.

With all the emphasis put on academics in early education, it is important to remember that children learn through play. All the domains of development can be reached through allowing children to actively engage in play. The development of cognitive, language, physical, and social-emotional are all nurtured through play. Play is something that needs to be encouraged in the early years so that children grow to their fullest potential.

Please view the following references that support the importance of play in early childhood:

Almon, K. (2002). The vital role of play in early childhood education. Gateways, 43. Retrieved from http://www.waldorfresearchinstitute.org/pdf/BAPlayAlmon.pdf

Geist, E., & Baum, A. (2005). Yeah, But’s that keep teachers from embracing an active curriculum. Young Children, 60(4), 28-36. Retrieved from https://search-proquest-com.ezp.waldenulibrary.org/docview/197668022/fulltextPDF/F5A65EA0C78545A5PQ/1?accountid=14872

Ginsburg, K. (2007). The importance of play in promoting healthy development and maintaining strong parent-child bonds. Pediatrics, 119(1), 182-191. Retrieved from http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/119/1/182

Sincerely,

Stacy Tolliver