Developmentally Appropriate Play: Guiding Young Children to a Higher Level

The most beneficial play is fun, complex, long-lasting, and all-engaging-it has purpose. What exactly does this kind of play look like, and how can you help children reach this higher level?

Filled with the best strategies to facilitate high-level play experiences, Developmentally Appropriate Play will help you understand how to plan for, guide, and identify purposeful play. This resource is based on guiding principles from the third edition of Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs Serving Children from Birth through Age 8 from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). It also includes information on

Creating an environment where complex, rich play develops and thrives

Enhancing children's play through interaction and provocations

Adding representation through documenting, writing, and drawing to further enrich play

Incorporating early learning standards into play