Title

Learning Through Play: Caring for the Whole Child

Author

April M. Chavis-Johnson, Concordia University, St. Paul

Date of Award

2003

Document Type

Non Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Education

Department

Education

Program

Early Childhood Education

Capstone Instructor

Lynn Gehrke

Second Reader

Carmen Cook

Keywords

early childhood education, learning through play, play-based curriculum

Abstract

The purpose of this capstone is to provide early childhood professionals with a resource that will assist them in incorporating play into the learning environment. The focus of this capstone is to emphasize Learning Through Play: Caring for the Whole Child. A child's play is more important to children than adults realize. Just as some adults, children learn through their five senses. This project will provide the reasons and a resource to promote play. It will elaborate on the definition of play, and what children can accomplish through play. This resource for early childhood professionals will assist them on turning their attention from the worksheets and the expensive curriculum to encouraging play. This capstone will assist individuals and encourage their appreciation for the value of play. It will also help professionals focus attention on the many developmental areas that play can nurture, because some people overestimate the fact that play is a child's work.

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