Play is so important for children--it helps them discover the world around them, figure out how physics works, and think logically. It also is good for their creativity, social emotional development, and physical development. That's why I wanted our son to go to a school with play-based emergent curriculum rather than one that focused only on ABCs and 123s.
There have been two interesting articles lately about play. One is about a teacher who replaced all of the toys in his classroom with boxes. And the kids loved it. This is especially good to keep in mind with the holiday season coming up. Children really do not need a lot of toys, especially battery-operated ones. Open-ended toys such as balls, blocks, dolls, and containers can be used imaginatively.
Another article talked about how very young children are capable of learning and being logical, if allowed to play and figure things out themselves rather than being directly taught. Recent studies indicate what those of us who work and live with children have already suspected--even before they turn one, young children are capable of understanding jokes, figuring out sequences, and knowing when someone needs a hug.
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