Creative and Playful Learning in Family Child Care
Family child care offers mixed-age groups where siblings can be cared for together. The provider’s schedule, location, culture, and language are often a match for family needs.
Creative Play
Creative play is an activity that varies across individuals, cultures, and communities. It fosters curiosity, joy, and lifelong learning, promoting accessibility and meaningfulness for all children. These resources underscore the importance of creativity in young children and support their development through playful experiences.
We’re Going on a Bug Hunt
Invite children to go on an adventure to find bugs on your outdoor area, backyard, or local playground. Ask children where they think they will find insects — always following their lead in the shared exploration.
It’s Make-believable
Make-believe play is an important part of a research-based curriculum and practices you use every day. The sky is the limit as children create play experiences to explore scenarios from their world and beyond!
1-2-3 Dance with Me
Did you know that experimenting with rhythm connects music, math, and culture? Model musical exploration, share in the joy, and follow children’s interests with types of music and ways to express themselves..
Play the Head Start Way
Staff can use this information to plan and carry out open ended, joyful play activities with children enrolled in Head Start programs.
Partnering with Parents to Support the Development of Creativity
Explore creativity in this home visiting webinar. Learn how home visitors partner with parents to nurture creative minds, support the development of critical thinking, and foster problem-solving.
Creating Playful Learning Environments for Infants and Toddlers
Play is more than fun; it supports infant and toddler learning across domains. Discover strategies for effectively managing and scaffolding play and creating play-friendly activities and environments.
Playful and Fun Learning Environments for Infants and Toddlers
Through play, children learn about the world while practicing the skills that allow them to explore it. When we play with children, we provide learning environments that are rich with context and meaning. These joyful experiences help children learn!
Play Promotes Early Development: It’s Time for Play!
Children learn through play every single day. Watch these videos to find out what — and how — children learn as they play.
The Benefits of Messy Play for Infants and Toddlers
Messy play is the active exploration of materials like water and paper. It offers rich learning experiences for infants and toddlers. Listen to this podcast for strategies to make this activity fun and manageable.