Play Is Not Canceled
By Janeen Ward
Due to concerns surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the Lincoln Chapter of the Nebraska Association of the Education of Young Children has decided to cancel the 2022 Early Childhood Celebration, usually held in April. I know that many people in the community have enjoyed that event for more than 30 years, and we are confident that it will be held in the future.
We still want to celebrate the National Week of the Young Child (April 2-8, 2022) and keep in mind… play is not canceled!
It is more important than ever for parents, early childhood professionals, and everyone in the community to meet the needs of young children, who thrive on meaningful hands-on experiences that engage their senses. In Early Childhood, we know that play touches all aspects of children’s lives. While they are learning about their world, and expanding vocabulary in interactions with caring adults and peers, children are developing physical strength and coordination, and practicing appropriate social skills and self-regulation. Play encourages creativity and allows children to practice solving problems.
What is your role? What can you do to help?
Instead of limiting children’s play, encourage play!
Talk and listen to children; focus your full attention on them.
Read with them; help them write and draw.
Sing with them; create music together or listen to live music.
Let children choose what to play, and when you are invited to play with them, join in!
Help children explore materials that are interesting to see, hear, feel, smell (and taste, if possible).
While you play, find items to count, sort, and group together, or talk about color, size, or texture of items – how are they the same or different?
Go outside! Nature has a lot to teach us as we play.
Take trips to places in the community that children love (zoo, museum, library, park).
Play isn’t just for children! Adults benefit from play, too. Give yourself permission to take time to unwind and enjoy life.
In this time of uncertainty from day-to-day, one thing is certain – children need to play!
