Play
Why Play Is the Primary Way Young Children Learn
The idea that play and learning are separate — that children play when they are not learning, and learn when they are not playing — is one of the most...
2 min read
13 articles found
Play
What Building Play Develops in Early Childhood
When a toddler knocks over a tower and immediately starts rebuilding, they are engaged in a form of learning that decades of research consistently rat...
2 min read
Play
The Role of Technology in Early Childhood Play
Technology is part of modern childhood, yet young children develop through experiences that screens can't provide. Understanding what technology can a...
4 min read
Play
Singing and Dancing as Active Play
You don't need musical training to use singing and dancing as active play with a young child. The parent's voice — any voice — is more engaging to a b...
2 min read
Play
Why Play Is the Primary Language of Early Childhood
Before children can express themselves through words, they communicate through play. Play is the primary language of early childhood—a way for young c...
4 min read
Family Life
Sibling Relationships in Early Childhood
Sibling relationships in early childhood are complex. They include attachment (younger siblings look to older ones for safety and learning), peer lear...
5 min read
Emotions
Psychological Support in Early Childhood
The early years are a critical window for psychological development. Yet many parents hesitate to consider psychological support for young children, w...
4 min read
Emotions
Emotions and Personality Formation in Early Childhood
Parents frequently describe noticing their child's "personality" emerging in the first year — a characteristic way of relating to novelty, intensity,...
3 min read
Emotions
Emotional Intelligence in Early Childhood
Emotional intelligence has attracted significant research and popular attention for its role in predicting life outcomes — sometimes more strongly tha...
3 min read
Emotions
Anxiety in Early Childhood
Some degree of anxiety is a normal feature of early childhood, reflecting the child's cognitive development rather than a disorder. The range between...
3 min read
Daycare
What Montessori Daycare Is and How It Differs
Montessori is a specific educational approach that has gained popularity in early childhood settings. Yet the term "Montessori" is used inconsistently...
5 min read
Daycare
The Role of Freedom of Choice in Montessori Daycare
One of the most significant differences between Montessori settings and conventional early years provision is the degree of choice given to children....
3 min read
Daycare
How Early Friendships Form in Daycare
Can toddlers have real friends? Yes — though early friendships look different from adult friendships and develop on their own timeline. Understanding...
3 min read