Why do we value Play as the work of childhood?
Learning through play is intrinsically motivating and process-based. Children are born knowing how to play and how to apply this innate curiosity and drive to explore the world around them. They are experts at knowing exactly what interests them and want to work towards figuring out their own questions about the world and their place within it. Play is so much more about the process than the outcome.
Play fosters inquiry and the construction of understandings about the world through authentic experiences. Young children are so aware and driven to make connections. Like scientists, they are figuring out the answers to their questions through play. Every domain of learning is integrated throughout children's play, from literacy and mathematics to social-emotional and physical development. Children are always learning, in every aspect of their daily interactions with the physical environment and the people in their lives. Playing, learning, and living are interwoven and cannot be separated.
Play offers multiple modes of expression for the young child. There are countless ways of engaging with the world and communicating understandings. Children are uniquely capable of sharing their inner thoughts, perceptions, and needs through their play, art, language, and behaviors. When we respect their individual modes of engagement and expression, we validate them as unique humans.
