In my future classroom, I will strive to provide a rigorous learning environment

that will stimulate my students’ development in all domains of learning- physical, social,
emotional, and cognitive. With only a limited number of hours in a day, and a wide
variety of students' abilities, I acknowledge that this is no easy feat! One of the leading
ways I plan to meet these needs for my students is through the use of play in my
classroom.
Not only will I say that it is okay to spend class time on play, but I believe it is
imperative to do so. Though all types of play are important, I will aim to highlight
cognitive, free, dramatic, social, and outdoor play as these are especially important in
the classroom setting. Although ECE children are young, this does not mean they are
incapable of higher order thinking skills.
Cognitive play allows for creative and critical thinking skills and often uses small
pieces or puzzles that can help refine fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Free
play encourages independence and creativity. Allowing students the opportunity to
choose lets children’s minds roam free and allows them the opportunity to self entertain.
Dramatic play develops imagination and social skills. By pretending to play a different
role or be in a different place, children can better understand the world around them,
master life situations, and prepare for adult life. Social play allows students to develop
conflict resolution skills, relationship building skills, and opportunities for speech and
communication practice. Since kindergarten literally translates to “children” and
“garden”, it only makes sense for outdoor play to be an essential part of early learning
experiences. Outdoor play gives children the freedom to let their natural curiosities run
wild. While it might appear that a student is doing nothing more than making a mess in
the mud, the reality is that the child could be experimenting with cause and effect,
excavating rocks and artifacts, or understanding worms and dandelions as part of a
functioning ecosystem.
While I do believe play enhances academic skills, I believe the primary function it
serves is building the foundational skills needed for students to succeed. Play does not
take away from learning experiences. On the contrary, play allows for unlimited learning
possibilities through enhanced social skills, self-esteem and regulation skills; increased
vocabulary and speech; improved fine and gross motor skills, and enhanced
problem-solving skills. Early childhood educational experiences have profound effects
on students’ learning and development both in the short and long-term and play sets the
foundation for lifelong growth and educational success.