Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/provocatio/5027215/
Bridging Research and Practice
Bridging Research and Practice features varied aspects of research related to early childhood education with a reference to previously published research. Each article contains practical strategies for putting the research into action for teachers, administrators, and teacher educators.
To learn more, including how to contribute, visit: ExchangePress.com/research
I am grateful to be reminded daily of the magic of play. As the founder and director of a Reggio Emilia-inspired, play-based preschool, I am enamored by the frequent examples of innovative, emergent curriculum stemming from children’s interests I see in our classrooms. As an early childhood educator, myself, I know to carefully observe and recognize the authentic and meaningful learning that happens through children’s play. I am a long-time advocate and admirer of play and have devoted my career towards defending its value—and to helping others see it too.
As a white cisgender woman, I acknowledge that my understanding of play may differ from yours; and that play (in and of itself) looks, feels, sounds, and is perceived differently amongst each of us. Our individual understanding of play is contextual. Race, culture, privilege, religion, gender, and socio-economic status are some of the social ...