Play is essential. It encourages children's brain development. It allows children to use their senses and promotes exploration and curiosity. Children learn to think creatively by using their imaginations and pretending, develop critical thinking skills through problem-solving, learn about cause and effect, and build memory skills. It helps children explore the world around them, figure out their place in it, and develop the skills they need to thrive.
One focus of play at preschool is Center Time. Learning center areas integrate a variety of different learning concepts, opportunities and experiences. During this time, the children are taught vocabulary, math, and literacy.
To quote our favorite neighbor, “Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children play IS serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood. When children pretend, they're using their imaginations to move beyond the bounds of reality. A stick can be a magic wand. A sock can be a puppet. A small child can be a superhero's cape." Fred Rogers
