Play Time - It's a necessity, not just fun!

Play can be viewed as one of the main foundations of Tamarack’s early childhood program. Play is not purely fun, there is evidence of the profound learning that occurs and is necessary for social, emotional, and academic development. This review of a recent study shows the long-term consequences that can occur if play is replaced with a program that is more focused on early academic learning.

When adults allow children the space and time for immersive and creative play, we provide them with opportunities to discover the limitless possibilities that the world offers.

Some of the benefits that were noted included:

• higher academic achievement

• lower chance to be diagnosed with a learning disability

• fewer behavioral problems

In the early childhood classrooms at Tamarack most of the day is spent in play, both inside and out.

The teachers use this play time to observe the children:

• What do they play?

• Who do they choose to play with and how do they interact with others?

• What is the quality of the child’s play?

• Are physical development milestones being met?

• Are the children playing at their level of development?

These precious years of early childhood are short and pass so quickly. It is imperative that we protect this critically important time of learning, exploration, and development.

Click the button below to learn more about how Tamarack meets the developmental needs for children from

early childhood through grade 8.