Chapter 3

Children learn through play experiences

Children learn about themselves, environment as well as people in their lives.

To solve problems

Develop body control

Practice social skills

Express their creativity

To build muscle control

Strength

Body awareness

Balance

Dexterity

Providing children with age-appropriate toys gives them unique and interesting topics to talk about

Books and recordings help children appreciate words, literature, and music and pretend play objects encourage children to talk with each other

Children learn to cooperate, negotiate, take turns, and obey rules through play

When children put on dress-up clothes, they learn to express themselves and to be comfortable in different roles, which in turn leads to self-expression and socialization opportunities

Toys and materials that promote active learning motivate children to pursue their own ideas and interests enthusiastically

Many toys, for example, encourage children’s interest in concepts like same/different, patterned/planned, classifying, and sorting.

cooperative games work especially well with young kindergarteners—in which students work together to see what they can achieve

They keep students active; young kids cannot sit still for too long.

They let everyone be involved; no one is left out.

They allow shyer kids to feel safe, since everyone is working together

They are repetitive, and that familiarity also helps kids feel safe and knowledgeable

They can be unsophisticated. It will not bother your students if the game is obviously made up—it is still fun!