For Your Binder

While I have moved beyond creating prop boxes, this article, while a little dated, provides a nice reminder as to the importance of dramatic play and, should the children instigate an exploration of some of the themes that are presented, might serve as a starting spot for some additional materials that might add to the exploration and play. # play # teaching # learning # DAP

You can access the articles within The American Journal of Play free online or pay a nominal fee and have the journal mailed to you. The journal started in 2008 and is a scholarly yet accessible resource for your next college paper, deep dive into a specific interest area, or to show the wolves that, Yes Virginia, we are a scholarly profession!  And BONUS!  There is a search function within the journal section so you can drill down and get exactly what you were looking for! # play # teaching # learning # DAP

A short article with 10 different ways to build a child's fine and small motor skills! # DAP # play # movement # writing # teaching # learning 

See you at the steps!  # DAP # teaching # learning 

The updated statement from the American Academy of Pediatrics saying that play is crucial to a child's healthy development.  # play # teaching # learning # parenting # DAP

Remember, these are in addition to all those big juicy large motor verbs that are crucial if you want strong hands in the first place!  # DAP # teaching # learning # movement # writing

When I first read this article in the margins I simply wrote, "This is beautiful." # DAP # play # teaching # learning # mixedages

Louder for the people in the back!  # DAP # play # teaching # learning

Read the article, then print out the table!  Keep it handy and share it too! It's a fantastic visual resource and reminder of the power of exploration and play! # play # DAP # teaching # learning # relationships # care

This is an impressive overview of the research collected for the Minnesota Children's Museum in 2012. Not surprisingly, White's closing comment implies that while play is under siege, we must not forget that it is play that sets the stage for a strong foundation. # play # teaching # learning # DAP # theorists

This article initially caught my eye because it contains one of my favorite words, but used it in a sentence with a phrase that gave me pause; self control? I used up two pens and a few highlighters keeping track of my reactions and comments to this one. Spoiler alert: verbiage verbiage verbiage! definitions definitions definitions!  It's rather dated, so take some of it with a few extra grains of salt. Also, is Eleanor Duckworth on your radar???   # play # DAP # teaching # learning

Policymakers persist in ignoring the huge discrepancy between what we know about how young children learn and what we actually do in preschools and kindergartens. # play # pushdown # teaching # learning # DAP