the Importance of Play

The First Five Years is a weekly radio program presented by Maryland Family Network and airing on WEAA 88.9 FM. The program was previously on WYPR 88.1 FM. The series is focused on the extraordinary developmental period from birth to age five. The First Five Years highlights the challenges and opportunities related to nurturing young children and helping them build a solid foundation for success in school and in life. This program is made possible in part by M&T Charitable Foundation.

The Importance Of Play

Experts agree: Children’s work is play. Through play, children acquire cognitive, social, and physical skills.

importance-of-play.mp3

Resources & Links

Why Preschool Shouldn't Be Like School (Slate)
The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds (American Academy of Pediatrics)
Play is more than fun. (TedTalks)
Effort to Restore Children’s Play Gains Momentum (New York Times)
Playing for All Kinds of Possibilities (New York Times)
Old-Fashioned Play Builds Serious Skills (National Public Radio)
For more information, go to the Alliance for Childhood.