In the words of Mr. Rogers, a child’s job is to play. It’s the basis for learning, ‘Life-101’ for young children. Because play is so important, and complex, I needed to communicate this to my preschool families:
This is the first in a series of longer newsletters, going into greater depth on what is important for children, and helpful for families.
Young Children and Play
Parents often ask, “Does my child play with other children? Do they have friends?” It’s only natural that every parent wants their child to engage with their peers and classmates – to play.
There are sequential stages of play. Let’s start with the first one, Parallel Play. This play is when children are alongside a friend or in a group, but not directly engaging. It may appear to adults that the child is not playing, but in fact s/he most definitely is playing. Many Aqua Roomers started the school in Parallel Play in September. It’s the first stage of play and how children begin to develop friendships. It’s learning how to communicate, how to be part of a group, and how to be aware of others.
The next stage of play is Cooperative Play. This play involves more interaction with peers and classmates. Sometimes the play is with one or two other friends, sometimes it is in a group. Dialogue is exchanged as well as toys. It’s only natural that difficulties arise, such as sharing and taking turns. Sometimes impulsive behavior (hitting, pushing, running away) happens. This play is how children learn the give-and-take of cooperating. This is also where children begin to develop friendships. This stage is the foundation for social and emotional development. We will always champion for play!
As play develops, and children’s confidence grows, they often attempt things that are brave, sometimes giving adults cause for concern. This is Risky Play, and the benefits are enormous. Is it okay to climb up a slide or roll down a steep hill? Absolutely! By trying new things, children learn what their bodies can and cannot do. You have to fall before you learn how to walk, and as physical play becomes more challenging, trying will eventually find success. Many children want to climb on the big playground structure. If an adult helps them up and down, they never really master climbing. The added benefit of risky play is cognitive – critical divergent thinking, or the ability to sum up a situation and make good decisions. The best example is the astronauts’ quick thinking and decision making when things looked grim as they landed on the moon. At school, we are safety conscious, yet encourage a child’s risky play.
Attached, as a PDF, is an excellent article on risky play.
Mr. Rogers says it best, “A child’s job is to play.”
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
I agree. Associating with other children is very important.
Yes!! Best to you, GP.
There are so many wonderful skills and experience that are based in play. I think I remember more of those lessons than I do the ones I learned in the classroom.
And that’s how one becomes successful in the adult world, dealing with and getting along with others. You are a shining example, Dan. Keep playing. 😀
❤
Jennie Academicus is awoken! 🙂 Thanks for this very interesting and so useful explaination, how children play is going on best. I remember to have heard it in my other life in a lecture. 😉 In the past there wasn’t any importance to me. Now it’s of interest to the maximum. I apologize for the late revisit, Jennie! Please enjoy a wonderful weekend! xx Michael
Awww…that’s so nice, Michael. Thank you for your kind words. I’m glad I could open the door to the importance of play. 😀
Your ideas are always perfect, Jenny! 🙂 xx Michael
🥰
Wow …. I never considered the stages of play. This is a great point for parents to know, so cheers to your letter.
Thank you, Frank. I hope parents can understand, too. I’m glad you enjoyed the letter!
One of my favorite people and such a meaningful message to families. Your priorities are in the right place as always
Thank you, Beth. I heard Fred Rogers speak once at a conference. We have his photos and quotes posted around school. You can tell this message to parents is deeply important. Yes, it’s me. 😀
Yes.
😀
I love it!
I’m so glad! 😍
Yes!! Thank you, Jennie. Sadly, in my opinion, many elementary schools have decreased play time that is essential to development …of…..
Beautiful human traits that lead to being cooperative, critical thinking, and compassionate contributors to humanKIND. Thank you for being a treasure trove of wisdom!❤️❤️❤️
You are SO right, Karla, and it’s sad. Thank you for your very kind words. 😍
You’re welcome, Jennie. May we find play in every day! Even as ….grown ups? Yay! 🩷🩷🤗
Amen! 😀
Thank you for explaining the different stages of play and how they work. I learned something!
You are welcome, Liz. I’m glad you learned something! 😀
☺️
You’ve explained this so well, Jennie. Children’s play helps prepare them for how to work and get along with others. That will serve them well as they get older and enter the working world.
One of the things I miss most about teaching is playing with children. It’s hard for straight-laced teachers to understand the bond you can form with your students when you let your guard down and play tag with them.
Thank you, Pete. I know you understand and appreciate how important play is. I bet you miss playing with your students. There are so many tiny moments when connections are made. Yes, the straight-laced teachers have a hard time. They need to laugh and play tag with their students.
A very astute and important point in the growth of children, Jennie. Thanks for this post and hopefully young parents read it.
Thank you, Don. You are spot on, and I do hope parents read it.
Play is so important in all stages of life. Thanks for understanding that and encouraging play in your students. xo
Thanks so much, Darlene. It really is so important. I will always encourage play. 😀
😀
Thanks for sharing. I hope those with children are paying attention.
You’re welcome, John. I hope so, too.
😁
Good advice.
Thank you.
I was fortunate to grow up in a working class neighborhood in Worcester where every ‘3 decker’ housed a few kids. Street play was a common sight.
Those were the good days, Steve. Lucky you!
‘Risky’ play was pretty much the only play I did as a child. And I survived the dangers with good friends that I still have today. We didn’t ever get such letters from teachers in London in the 1950s, those modern parents are lucky indeed.
Best wishes, Pete.
Exactly! You played the way children need to play. That’s why I need to tell parents risky play is a good thing. Parents today are over-worried, unlike our parents in the 50’s who never needed teacher letters about the benefits of play – because we were playing! Best to you, Pete.
Play is vital, Jennie, and you explain it beautifully to your students’ parents, with a little help from Mr. Rogers. Great post.
Yes it is, and thank you for your lovely words, Diana.
Jennie, this is superb and great to remind parents of the importance of play, the friendships gained, the independence learnt along the way. In a world where every moment of a child’s life seems to be mapped out, overtly-monitored I love the notion of letting them climb, play, explore within a safe setting! This was my experience of Kindergarten in Sweden and I still have such fantastic memories from the time. Annika
Beautifully said, Annika! Thank you.
What a beautiful outline of the importance of play! I am currently researching how parenting can impact on learning, with a vision to supporting parents to improve ‘learning in the home’ and i think what I have realised reading this is how that ‘learning’ starts in play ahead of school ages.
This has definitely given me some food for thought, if you have any research recommendations in relation to parental influence on play and learning, I am always looking out for new knowledge.
Thank you, Lisa. Yes, it really does start in play. I’m glad it has given you food for thought. I’ve taught preschool for 40 years, and this article was straight from me – what I have learned over many years. Like you, I have a strong interest in helping parents, because they really are looking for guidance. My greatest mentor who has tons of information is Jeanine Fitzgerald (the Fitzgerald Institute). Also, Jacky Howell (Azspire, llc). My blog has many articles, too. Many! I hope this helps.
Dear Jennie
We agree. It is important to play with other children therefore, preschool is very important – although I didn’t like it. That’s our argument against homeschooling.
Thanks for sharing your ideas
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Well said, and thank you. You are right, and I could write volumes on why, but of course you already know that. 😀
A great article, Jennie. The benefits of play are huge.
They truly are, Robbie. Than you.
When I was an elementary school principal, I often had to share this message with parents and sometimes even teachers who were trying to do academics with JK students. They learn through play, I would tell them. I often gave them material to read about the value of play. Some people don’t get it, and others embrace it. A great message for your parents, Jennie.
Carla, I didn’t know you were an elementary school principal. I am SO glad you shared this message with parents and teachers! I know what you mean about some people not getting it and others embracing it. I will never stop sharing this message. As a principal, did you encourage teachers to read aloud to their students? Are you familiar with Jim Trelease and his Read-Aloud Handbook?
I was a huge proponent of read aloud to all grades. I also spent a lot of money on books and our library so it became the heart of our school. No, I’m not familiar with that book. I will take a look at it. I still have a lot of contacts in the school system.
Hooray, and thank you, Carla. You made a difference in your school. When the library is the heart of the school, great learning happens. Thank you for checking out the book. It made me the teacher I am today. The author has since passed away, and his last edition was the 7th. Penguin Books ranks The Read-Aloud Handbook in their top 100. Wow! After the 7th edition, his great stories are lost. I’ve written many posts on this. As a principal, you will enjoy the story of the new principal who took over a junior high school in Boston that the state was ready to take over. Big wow.
I’m looking forward to it even more now, Jennie.
I’m so glad, and you won’t be disappointed. Please let me know your thoughts after reading. I tried to put a photo of the book here, but no luck.
I found it at my library and on Amazon.
Hooray!
I came across a poster that sums it up well: “Play Is A Child’s Work”
Yes! Maria Montessori and Piaget had this nailed ages ago (thank goodness), and it is true! Thank you, Pam.