Play and Learning in Early Childhood
'When the word play is mentioned, I think of the joyous moments in my childhood—being outdoors on the swing or covered in mud or sand and making potions or delicious treats depending on the day. I think of the laughter, the sense of freedom, the friends, and the experiences I see unfolding every day in Pre-Primary classrooms at Lowell.
Play is a vital part of our lives. It reaches its culminating point during childhood and adolescence, and as we reach adulthood, it changes characteristics and can start to disappear from our lives. Play is also a guiding force in the life of a classroom. Its powerful presence shapes the social environment. As an educator, I appreciate the importance of play and promote opportunities for play in the school where I teach.
Each one of us holds positive and powerful memories connected to play so it is easy to see the importance of it. What might not be so easy to understand is the role it plays in the process of learning.'>>>
http://blog.lowellschool.org/blog/play-and-learning-in-early-childhood?
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My wife and I care for our 2 and 1/2 year old granddaughter 3 days/week. Its play and learning , aided by 3 hr/day co-op day care, in which we volunteer to help care for a class of 10, 1 day a week. Its 'play and learning' for us too. Just great. Great to hear the kids 'wobbly logic' as they explain things to us.' 
Response to elleng (Original post)
