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Child-Led Play &
Nature
Newsletter
March 2023
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Welcome to our newsletter! This month we're sharing all about...
child-led play!
Given the evidence of play and extended time in nature in all seasons, we
provide monthly resources, research, and ideas for child-led play (inside
and outside) and nature for educators and families in ELRCs 8, 9 and 10.
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So, What is "Child-Led Play"?
You've heard it called many things: child-led play, self-directed play, self-active learning. But one thing is clear; the children are the ones in charge of their own play (a.k.a. learning). And research shows that this is the best way for young children to learn. However, it is not to say the adult is not present; instead, we play a very specific and crucial role in children's play. In the article below, neuroscience educator Nathan Wallis explains why child-led free play is fundamental to the optimal development of the brain.
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Click on the resource above from The Institute for Self Active Education (ISAE) to download a copy. ISAE is a non-profit charitable organization established in 1980, founded by Dr. Walter and Kitty Drew. As a community of practice, it promotes self active play as a tool for encouraging and awakening the creative potential in children, teachers, parents and others to help improve and enhance the quality of early childhood education. | |
Click on the resource above from Pop-Up Adventure Play to download a copy. PUAP is a non-profit organization that believes that children’s play is both a sign and catalyst for healthier individuals, families and communities. A person’s best memories are often the most simple – a muddy puddle, a tree for climbing, a box fort with friends. They help adults provide opportunities for children to have such play adventure experiences now. | |
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Nature Activities for Child-Led Learning
Take a look at these spring-time activities from Family Child Care owner and friend Lindsey Brown in Venango County. While there is set-up involved on the teacher's end, the children can take the lead from there!
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Featured Book:
Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life
In Free to Learn, developmental psychologist Peter Gray argues that in order to foster children who will thrive in today's constantly changing world, we must entrust them to steer their own learning and development. Drawing on evidence from anthropology, psychology, and history, he demonstrates that free play is the primary means by which children learn to control their lives, solve problems, get along with peers, and become emotionally resilient. A brave, counterintuitive proposal for freeing our children from the shackles of the curiosity-killing institution we call school, Free to Learn suggests that it's time to stop asking what's wrong with our children, and start asking what's wrong with the system. It shows how we can act—both as parents and as members of society—to improve children's lives and to promote their happiness and learning.
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Featured article:
The Misunderstanding of How Humans Learn - Teacher Tom
"'I know!'
'I've got an idea!'
'Teacher Tom, look at this!'
The soundtrack of a play-based preschool is punctuated by expressions of these "eureka moments." Sometimes the children would run up to me in groups, grab my arms to pull me over to what they had collectively discovered or invented or understood, babbling their explanations and theories explaining with their hands and bodies as well as their words."
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Access our Nature-Based Play Resource List on the Keystone Kids Go website. | |
Check out the "Inspiring Nature-Based Early Learning" webinar here. This training counts for 1 hour of PQAS PD (and can count toward STARS indicator EC 3.4.6). | |
Looking for more information?
Technical Assistance Coach Elizabeth Marcello and Outdoor Learning & Play Consultant Susan Chlebowski can partner with you to provide center-based or individual classroom coaching and professional development in the topics of play-based learning, nature-based learning, classroom management and challenging behavior support, or innovative solutions to barriers. Complete a "Consultation Request" through your PD Registry Organization Profile's Keystone STARS tab to request coaching.
*For early learning providers in ELRCs 8, 9, and 10 only.
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Do you have a topic you'd like to see covered in this newsletter? What have you tried that others might be interested in? Please consider sharing your questions, ideas, or stories with us below, and we will include them in an upcoming newsletter! | |
Keep in Touch with Community Connections for Children! | | | | |
