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The Early Childhood programs within LPCSC practice Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. We recognize that we must get to know the rhythms and nuances of our students to make connections and build relationships. We strive to build from the bottom of the pyramid, and when needs are met, we find that optimal learning falls into place. This is true in all settings, not just the educational environment. As parents of students entering their first years of education, it is important to recognize all of the components that contribute to the learning process.

Developmentally appropriate play (DAP) is a play-based approach that helps children learn and develop in a way that's best for them according to the stage of development they are currently in. Introducing developmentally appropriate play into the home setting can be a bit uncomfortable when you first start. Unfortunately our society has created an unrealistic pressure on parents (and educators) to push harder, sooner, and has forgotten the natural development of the child. When we push our children to learn or do something they are not ready to do, we are ignoring the needs and development of a child. This results in not getting the outcome that we want, and instead can create stress and anxiety in the child. So while they may be able to read or write their name sooner, their social emotional development was being neglected and their natural path of development disrupted. Instead of wanting to jump to the next stage, our role is to be present and appropriate for the state our children are in right now. We aren’t necessarily making things easier, but we are ensuring the goals and experiences are suitable to the child’s interest and can promote progress.

The HighScope Curriculum is followed within the LPCSC programs to ensure DAP is in full effect in the classroom setting. In the home setting you can support developmentally appropriate practices with your child by:

• Creating a play-rich environment: This can include toys, but also includes typical items found around the house such as pots, spoons/bowls, clothing, pillows, and much more. Encourage your child to explore and use the materials in new ways.Let their creativity shine!! It is ok to use items in a non-traditional way. This promotes creativity and learning. Hands-on play is sometimes the best way to learn.
• Encouraging outdoor play: It is ok to get dirty! Provide opportunities for your child to use his/her large muscles through running, jumping, climbing, and playing games. Let him/her explore with dirt, water, rocks!
• Limiting screen time: Limit TV, phone/computer time to one or two hours a day.
• Provide a stable home with consistency: Create a home with routines and support, ensure that your child gets enough sleep and eats a healthy diet. Consistency helps children to learn and understand expectations, which can reduce frustrations or uncertainty.
• Allow your child to participate in decision making: At this age it may be necessary to provide a limited number of choices, but then give your child an opportunity to make simple choices/decisions (like what to wear, what games to play, or what snack to eat.)
• Have fun! Build on the strengths and interests of your child. Challenge him/her and practice open-ended play.

Open-ended play is one of the different types of play, and an important part in early development as well as building a love for learning. When a student engages in open-ended play, he/she has the freedom to make decisions in play where there are no specific rules or limitations that must be followed. Essentially, there is no right or wrong way to do something. Unlike other types of play, there is not a set end result or product that is expected, and instead open-ended play focuses on the process.

Through this concept, open-ended play promotes creativity, imagination, cooperation and problem solving as children explore and manipulate different materials and resources. Additionally, children are able to practice both fine and gross motor skills, explore and understand their feelings and emotions through pretend play, and practice social skills of sharing and taking. Finally, open-ended play is a great way to build communication skills.

To aid in the enhancement of vocabulary and academic growth, when your child begins play, you can follow these three words, OBSERVE, WAIT and LISTEN. As your child moves to a particular object or toy, OBSERVE what they are doing. WAIT and give them time to explore and finally, LISTEN to what they are saying. Your child’s language skills will emerge and grow as they play, and you can encourage and help that growth!

• Art materials: markers, crayons, paper, paints, craft sticks, playdoh, pipe cleaners, pom poms

• Loose parts: buckets, baskets, boxes, balls, blocks paper towel/toilet paper rolls, egg cartons, ice cube trays, kitchen spoons/whisk/spatula/tongs

• Dress up Clothes (this can even be Parents or Siblings clothes!)

• Animal figures

• Outdoor Items: sand, dirt, mud, twigs, branches, flowers, shells, pinecones, feathers

Examples of NON Open-Ended learning tools: Screen Time (Games/Videos/Shows), Coloring Books, or Activities with directions.

References:

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/summer2022/message-backpack-open-ended-materials

https://thepillarsclc.com/7-benefits-of-open-ended-play/

https://www.naeyc.org/resources/pubs/tyc/dec2015/explaining-developmentally-appropriate-practice

https://nwcommons.nwciowa.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgiarticle=1067&context=education_masters#:~:text=Play%20influences%20growth%20in%20social,them%20while%20gaining%20new%20experiences.

Check out the Early Childhood page on the LPCSC website!