Play Is Important Work

As an early childhood educator, you knowhow important play is for young children. You also know that selecting theright play materials to include in your program matters; there are so manyoptions, and often your budget does not stretch to cover everything. With thisbook, discover ideas for both familiar and new play materials and how thosematerials support the cognitive, social and emotional, and physical learningand development of children from birth to age 3.

This practical, easy-to-read resource

Presents foundational information organizedaround the who, why, how, and what of using play materials to support veryyoung children's learning and development

Provides suggestions for play materialsand describes why they are useful for different aspects related to eachlearning and development domain

Includes safety considerations and tipson a range of topics, including climbing, choking hazards, and interacting withanimals

Recommends more than 75 children's booksthat go hand-in-hand with each learning and development domain

With a thoughtful selection ofappropriate play materials, you can enhance the quality of your program bycreating an environment and providing experiences that enable all children tothrive.