The Learning Ladder II A reading and writing curriculum for Family Child Care Providers, Children and Families

The Role of Play

Family Child Care programs provide opportunities for children to play, explore their worlds, and practice concepts.

Below you will find a description of some of the choices children have for play in a family child care program, and a list of the concepts and skills they are mastering through play.

When a child is playing with play dough, he/she is:

• using creativity and imagination
• improving fine motor skill
• developing the sense of touch

When babies play with stacking and nesting toys, they are:

• learning about size and balance
• practicing and developing motor control
• experimenting with shape and color

When toddlers are playing with sand and water, they are:

• learning about measuring and comparing
• feeling relaxed, safe and comfortable
• improving sensory awareness

When preschoolers are dressing up and pretending to cook in the housekeeping area, they are:

• learning to understand the roles of mothers and fathers
• practicing math and language skills
• organizing and using ideas

When school aged children are playing basketball with a small group of children, they are:

• learning to cooperate, share, plan and negotiate with other children
• improving gross motor control and eye-hand coordination
• learning how to be a team member

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