For centuries, humans have used games and play as a means of helping others understanding a variety of topics. In the Middle Ages, the game of chess was used to teach noblemen the strategies of war. However, it was not until the mid-twentieth century that the public began to make the connection between play and learning.
Last week, we held an exciting and informative online class, expertly and passionately presented by Carol Moritz, the Director of NY Preschool and generously sponsored by the NY Kids Club, to discuss the importance of play inside – and outside – the classroom.
In case you missed it, you’ll find a link to the recorded class HERE.
Carol discussed the history of play and how it is – and is not – new to the classroom, as well as what types of play are important to different areas of development – specifically social, emotional, cognitive and physical development. The class also touched on the link between motor skills and cognition.
Here are some excellent articles and resources on play and child development that Carol would like to share with you:
- Debunking the Play vs. Learning Dichotomy
- Links between Motor Skills and Indicators of School Readiness at Kindergarten Entry in Urban Disadvantaged Children
- Better Motor Skills Linked to Higher Academic Scores
- Gross Motor Milestones and Subsequent Development
- The cognitive benefits of play: Effects on the learning brain
Generously sponsored by
Carol Moritz, mother of ten, has a 35 year career in teaching. Carol has degrees in early childhood education and elementary education, with an emphasis in psychology. She has worked with children from birth to college. Carol especially cherishes her time as part of an international staff in Germany. When she is not spending her time being Director of the NY Preschool, she enjoys playing rugby, kayaking, weight lifting and doing all things “Martha Stewart.”
