Connections March 2025 - Children learn through play

March 2025 Connections

Information for caregivers to help children thrive!

Embrace the Power of Play

The days are getting longer and the weather is warming up here in Colorado, and we are excited to embrace the play opportunities that come with the changing season. Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and engage in all kinds of fun activities that support your child’s growth. Play is the primary occupation of childhood, and we know it’s good for developing so many skills: problem solving, motor skills, adaptability, communication, and more. But also, it’s just so fun!

Consider adding in different types of play based on what your child enjoys and the skills they are working on in their development. Here are some suggestions for how to do this as we transition to more outdoor play!

photo of little girl with shoulder length black hair standing in the grass holding a yellow and red ball

Cause and effect play: For children beginning to understand how their actions impact the world around them, cause and effect play is a great way to engage their curiosity. A simple game like rolling a ball back and forth across different outdoor surfaces—grass, dirt, and paths—helps children see firsthand how their actions create changes in their environment.

two children (we just see their legs and hands) filling two pots with dirt

Symbolic play: As your child’s imagination grows, encourage them to take part in pretend play that fosters creative thinking. You could set up a “nature café” with sticks, leaves, and stones as food items, where your child can pretend to serve you a meal or go on a picnic. This allows them to create an imaginative world with elements from their natural surroundings, all while developing their social and cognitive skills.

hands of a child playing with toy tractors in the dirt

Open-ended play:

For children learning about object affordances—the different ways an object can be used based on its features—open-ended play is a wonderful opportunity. Consider playing with items like blocks, pieces of fabric, or natural materials such as water, dirt, sand, and beans. Consider taking your child outside with some of these “loose parts” to see where their imagination takes them.

three little kids running down a path in the grass with their arms outstretched

Physical play: Physical play is essential for children of all developmental stages. Activities like tickling, wrestling, and playing chase promote motor skills, social interaction, and emotional regulation. With the warmer weather, now’s the time to take these games outside, where the extra space adds to the fun and learning!

Above all, remember that the best thing you can do for your child during any playtime is to stay attuned to their needs and emotions. By being present and connected, you create a safe and regulated space that promotes healthy development. What’s more, play isn’t just for kids! Adults benefit from play too, experiencing reduced stress and strengthened connections with others.

Here’s to a fun-filled spring of learning and growing through play!

Green lettering that says "DFX a bright future" inside a yellow border

Save the date: August 28

We invite you to join us to celebrate a bright future for DFX and the children we serve. Our 2025 Soiree will be held at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, from 6:00 - 9:00pm.

Sponsorship and Ticket Info coming soon!

Refill your cup so that you have the energy to care for others...

Here's our monthly reminder to make time to care for yourself - just like you can't pour from an empty cup, if your energy is depleted you don't have enough to share with others!

We like the ideas in this graphic from Dr. Kristin Neff, and this podcast from NPR's 1A, "Finding Agency in Chaos" which features discussions with Poojah Lakshmin, MD, author of "Real Self-Care" and Margaret Renkl, author of "The Comfort of Crows".

Listen to 1A podcast

Six suggestions for cultivating self-compassion

Visit Self-Compassion.org

Learn about Down Syndrome

World Down Syndrome Day was on March 21st and our team members participated in the "Lots of Socks" campaign to expand understanding of Down syndrome. We believe that everyone should be understood, have agency to determine their future, and be given the support they need to participate fully in their communities.

Learn More

square divided in 4 quarters, two of which have pictures of pairs of feet in colorful mismatched socks. There are logos for DFX and World Down Syndrome Day on March 21

Click here to watch our latest video: "DFX: Building Engaged Belonging"

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