Play in the EY in its purest form, is about being in the moment. It’s about exploring, experimenting, and simply enjoying the process without worrying about the destination. When we focus on outcomes, we risk stripping play of its magic & another task to tick off. #PlayMatters

So proud of our latest infographic! Sensory play has so many wonderful benefits, so we collected sensory play ideas from around the web - one for every month! buff.ly/40tZDlC #Playmatters #EarlyEd #PreK

“Play and playful forms of activity potentially lead towards increasingly complex forms of knowledge, skills and understanding.” ~ Elizabeth Wood #Playmatters #EarlyEd

So happy to see this! In New Hampshire, play is once again the cornerstone of #kindergarten - and boys especially are benefiting immensely: buff.ly/3WDqFGe Thank you, Elizabeth Heubeck and @EducationWeek! #Playmatters #EarlyEd

Nature is so enriching and engaging for children, making it a wonderful learning tool! Here are some fantastic ideas from @Edutopia on how to use nature to introduce math concepts to preschoolers: buff.ly/40WgIVv #Playmatters #EarlyEd #PreK

Sensory play offers SO many benefits - and there's SO many ways to make it happen! Here are 12 fun and simple sensory play ideas for parents and educators (one for every month): buff.ly/41at7GL #Playmatters #SensoryPlay #PlayTherapy

Research shows that the benefits of sensory play are immense. It can enhance cognitive growth, support emotional regulation, and encourage creativity in young minds. Here are 12 wonderful ideas for sensory play bins to spark inspiration: buff.ly/40tZDlC #Playmatters

"Play is the foundation of learning, creativity, self-expression, and constructive problem-solving. It’s how children wrestle with life to make it meaningful." ~ Susan Linn Love this collection of quotes from The Strong Museum: buff.ly/3QqYqHi #Playmatters

"These theater activities help early learners build literacy, speech, motor, and social and emotional skills while they’re having fun." @Edutopia highlights the value of dramatic games for the growth, joy & confidence of preschool students: buff.ly/41vMsT1 #Playmatters

Here's a fun #Spring lineup of sensory play bin ideas for teachers and parents! Check out sensory play ideas for the full year here - the possibilities AND the benefits are endless! buff.ly/40tZDlC #Playmatters #EarlyEd #SensoryPlay

"Many coping skills like compassion, self-regulation, self-confidence, the habit of active engagement, and the motivation to learn and be literate cannot be instructed. They can only be learned through self-directed experience (i.e. play)." – Susan J. Oliver #Playmatters

"The playful state of mind is fundamentally exploratory, seeking out new possibilities in the world around us. And that seeking is why so many experiences that started with simple delight and amusement eventually led us to profound breakthroughs.” — Steven Johnson #Playmatters

Play is incredibly important for every aspect of child development - but it can be difficult to incorporate into a child's daily life! Here are 30 simple and easy ways that we can provide more natural opportunities for play: buff.ly/0wGK7if #Playmatters

“Free play gives children an outlet to express their emotions and feelings and helps them develop a sense of who they are.” — @KaBOOM Here are 34 wonderful reasons why #playmatters for children's health, happiness, and success: buff.ly/TQnxPsL

"Studies show that children ages 3-5 require certain kinds of large motor equipment for optimal development..." and this is often found in a playground setting. (Frost, 2004) Here are 77 expert reasons why kids thrive on playgrounds: buff.ly/U01xFnT #Playmatters

"All children, including those in hospital, have a right to play and to express themselves in matters affecting their lives." Here is an excellent article on the importance and incredible value of play in hospitals: buff.ly/LvlGEar #Playmatters

“It is becoming increasingly clear through research on the brain, as well as in other areas of study, that childhood needs play. Play acts as a forward feed mechanism into courageous, creative, rigorous thinking in adulthood.” — Tina Bruce #Playmatters #EarlyEd

“Think of playtime as an innovation lab where tomorrow’s civilization is being actively designed.” — @jordosh 30 ways that play cultivates creativity in children (and grown-ups, too!): buff.ly/6ZjnpaB #Playmatters #Creativity #MondayMotivation

We're all busy, so it can be challenging to keep play alive in our household and classroom dynamics! Here are 30 simple and easy ways to make it happen: buff.ly/Ffzx4Oe #Playmatters #Teaching #Parenting

I love play because it helps children feel valued, included, and connected with the world and their peers! Thanks, Voice of Play! #Playmatters