Early Language & Literacy KnowledgeBase

This KnowledgeBase archive includes content and external links that were accurate and relevant as of September 30, 2019.

The Early Language and Literacy KnowledgeBase is an online resource supporting language and literacy development in early learners from birth through age eight. Its focus is to support parents and caregivers in helping early learners with their language and literacy development, and teachers in enhancing their instruction for early learners from pre-Kindergarten through Grade 3.

Sub-task 3: Learning Through Socio-Dramatic Play

resources

PRACTICAL TIPS

Dramatic Play: A Daily Requirement for Children

This Early Childhood News articles describes setting up a dramatic play center for early learners.

REFERENCES

Characteristics of Social Play

This link to the Education.com website describes the characteristics of social play among early learners.

Play and Cultural Diversity

This paper explores the issues associated with play and cultural diversity. Though the paper dates to 1995, the general content may be useful to educators of early learners.

Play in the Early Years: Key to School Success

This Bay Area Early Childhood Funders policy brief reviews the importance of play in early childhood describing what it is, its role iin in early school success, and how it is applied in the preschool. As noted at its website, "The Early Childhood Funders (ECF) are an informal affiliation of foundations, donors, and corporations with a common interest in funding projects that support young children and their families."

The Importance of Play in Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent-Child Bonds

This American Academy of Pediatrics report reviews the important of play in promoting healthy child development. Though the report is intended for Pediatricians, its content may be useful to other care givers as well. As noted in its abstract, "This report addresses a variety of factors that have reduced play, including a hurried lifestyle, changes in family structure, and increased attention to academics and enrichment activities at the expense of recess or free child-centered play. This report offers guidelines on how pediatricians can advocate for children by helping families, school systems, and communities consider how best to ensure that play is protected as they seek the balance in children's lives to create the optimal developmental milieu."

The Importance of Pretend Play

This link to the Scholastic.com website provides an article explaining the importance of pretend play with early learners.

The Role of Pretend Play in Children's Cognitive Development

This article from the Journal of Early Childhood Research and Practice explores the role pretend play has in children's cognitive development.