Power of Play: Tip Sheets from the University of Minnesota Center for Early Education

As early learning professionals, we know that play is not just fun – it also supports many areas of early childhood development. The University of Minnesota’s Center for Early Education & Development released a series of evidence-based tip sheets for early childhood professionals that break topics into two parts: theory and practice. Below, you’ll find the two tip sheets that explore play in early childhood. 

1. Introducing It: The Importance of Play in Early Childhood – discusses various types of play. It also describes the ways that play supports children’s physical, cognitive, and social-emotional growth
2. Applying It: Incorporating Play to Support Learning and Early Childhood Development – shares tips on setting up an environment that encourages children to take part in all kinds of play