Dramatic Play

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an old photo of children playing in a craft airplane
Article
Young Children
December 1, 2021

Our Proud Heritage. Building the Kindergarten Curriculum

This article introduces the Patty Smith Hill blocks and describes how they helped one teacher build a curriculum and intentionally plan and teach in ways that engaged children in deep study of topics they could learn through firsthand experiences.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Elizabeth A. Sherwood
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A group of young children dresses up for their stage production.
Article
Teaching Young Children
September 1, 2021

Rethinking Field Trips: Venturing Out to Foster Meaningful Learning

Knowing that local field trips are a source of curriculum in early childhood education, two teachers venture to a theater with their class, then engage in a project about storytelling, performance, and stages.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Lynette Bagwell, Betsy Cahill
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A person typing at a keyboard
Article
Teaching Young Children
December 1, 2019

Ask Hello. Supporting Culturally Rich Play

In a recent Hello discussion, a member sought input on culturally rich dramatic play and how to avoid materials that reinforce stereotypes.
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Family reading a book
Article
Teaching Young Children
April 1, 2019

Growing Little Storytellers

When children learn the art of telling stories, it makes them smarter—giving them a head start on success in school and life.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Ronald F. Ferguson, Tatsha Robertson
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children play baking in classroom
Article
Teaching Young Children
December 1, 2017

Supporting Language: Culturally Rich Dramatic Play

In Mrs. Ramos’s classroom, the children’s conversations about their family activities led them to create a panaderia in the dramatic play center.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Irasema Salinas-González, María G. Arreguín, Iliana Alanís
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Children in a classroom playing with playdough
Article
Teaching Young Children
December 1, 2017

Repurposing Creative Finds for Creative Minds: Thinking Outside the Box

Many early childhood programs and family child care providers are on a tight budget, but having a well-stocked, developmentally appropriate learning space doesn’t have to break the bank.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Lisa Mufson Bresson
Members Only
The Block Book, Third Edition
Book
January 1, 1996

The Block Book, Third Edition

Discover exciting possibilities for block play

Authored by

Authored by: 
Elisabeth S. Hirsch
Members Only
young boy dressed as a super hero
Article
Teaching Young Children
February 1, 2015

The Science of Superheroes

This article offers teacher observations that were made during a four-weeklong study on superhero play in a preschool classroom.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Sarah Erdman, Meredith Downing
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young boy dressed as a super hero
Article
Teaching Young Children
February 1, 2015

La ciencia de los superhéroes

This article offers teacher observations that were made during a four-weeklong study on superhero play in a preschool classroom.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Sarah Erdman, Meredith Downing
Members Only
Children on a field trip
Article
Teaching Young Children
February 1, 2014

Ready, Set, Learn! We're Off to the Moon

Here's how creative play, focused on outer space, became the center of an entire preschool curriculum for several weeks—providing opportunities that connected science, math, literacy, language, art, and drama.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Marie Faust Evitt
Members Only
Children on a field trip
Article
Teaching Young Children
February 1, 2014

En sus marcas, listos, aprendan! Vamos a la luna

Here's how creative play, focused on outer space, became the center of an entire preschool curriculum for several weeks—providing opportunities that connected science, math, literacy, language, art, and drama.

Authored by

Authored by: 
Marie Faust Evitt
Members Only