Natural Resources: Playful Development

March, 2021
The 4th edition of NAEYC’s position statement (2020) defines “developmentally appropriate practice” as methods that promote each child’s optimal development and learning through a strengths-based, play-based approach to joyful, engaged learning (p.5). Yet recent shifts to virtual learning and single-minded emphasis on academic achievement have hampered some efforts to support play-based approaches. This collection of resources is designed to provide both evidence and examples of how effectively play may be used to facilitate learning, development, and connections across domains.

Resource Type: 

  • Handouts/Tipsheets

Audience: