Blogging A to Z: Play
I think Mr. Rogers is an American institution. A man who was truly an wonderful human being who lived by the golden rule. He created Mr Rogers’ Neighborhood and spoke directly to kids about growing up focusing on social and emotional needs. The show ran for 895 episodes! Besides the focus on really talking to kids about the world around them, Mr. Rogers also incorporated a very imaginative aspect of the show as well – the Neighborhood of Make-Believe. Because play truly is the work of childhood.
Have you ever overheard your child while they are playing? Are you shocked by words or phrases that you didn’t think your child even knew? Pretend play, make-believe, or imaginative play is where kids get to practice in a safe environment. Playing also incorporates pretending to be someone else, which strengthens a child’s empathy, trying to make sure a block tower doesn’t fall down is all about problem solving, pushing a block tower over is learning cause and effect and honestly, science too – gravity!
Open-Ended Play
There cannot be enough said about the importance of play in a child’s life. And I’m specifically talking about open-ended play. This is not a class or lesson, a craft project, or something that should be done a specific way. This play is about using the resources available to create a world. Maybe your child was nervous about their doctor’s appointment – you might hear them playing “doctor” with a doll or stuffed animal. It’s during play that kids can help process their emotions and feelings as well.
Make sure you’re giving your child time to play and be bored. By being bored, kids learn how to use their imagination and do the hard work of childhood and play make-believe. A few dress-up clothes or a big blanket or sheet are great ways to give your child the tools to use their creativity and explore the world around them!
The titles I’ve chosen today are all about using your imagination, play, and just plain fun!
Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.
Book List #16 – Play
- The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat
An imaginary friend is tired of waiting for a child to pick him, so he goes on an adventure to find a child! - A Couch for Llama by Leah Gilbert
Llama never knew what it was missing until a couch unexpectedly appeared in its field! - Everything You Need for a Treehouse by Carter Higgins, illustrated by Emily Hughes
Treehouses are a great place for imagination and play! - High Five by Adam Rubin, illustrated by Daniel Salmieri
High fives take practice – use this book for some helpful hints. - In a Jar by Deborah Marcero
Llewellyn and Evelyn are best friends who love to collect things together. But what happens when Evelyn has to move away? - Mommy’s Khimar by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Ebony Glenn
A little girl, playing with her mother’s headscarves feels her love every time she wraps one around herself. - My Rainy Day Rocket Ship by Markette Sheppard, illustrated by Charly Palmer
A rainy day doesn’t stop a young boy from going on an adventure that is out of this world! - Not a Box by Antoinette Portis
One of the most awesome things to play with is an empty box or not a box in this case! - Ruby’s Sword by Jacqueline Veissid, illustrated by Paola Zakimi
Ruby wants so badly to play with her older brothers, but finally finds some adventure of her own! - Vroom! by Barbara McClintock
A racecar is a great way to get around! - What If… by Samantha Berger, illustrated by Mike Curato
A little girl explores all the artistic ways she can express herself! - Who Has Wiggle-Waggle Toes? by Vicky Shiefman, illustrated by Francesca Chessa
Movement is a fun way to explore the world and this book fully supports that idea!
If you’re interested in purchasing any of the titles on this list, please use my affiliate link for Bookshop.org. When you purchase from this link, I will earn a commission as an affiliate.
For the month of April, I’ll be sharing early literacy tips and book lists as part of the Blogging A to Z Challenge. Learn about the importance of early literacy and ways to incorporate tips and tricks into your family’s daily routine. Developing language skills before kids head to school helps them to be ready to learn when they reach school-age. In addition to great content, you’ll also get a new book list for each letter, resulting in over 300 board book and picture book suggestions for your family to enjoy!
