Explorations Early Learning

Promoting play, defending childhood, and empowering caregivers.

Explorations Early Learning

Defining Play

09/23/2025 | Defining Play

Date And Time: 09/23/2025 7:00pm Central Time
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While play researchers and theorists have established a clear and agreed-upon definition of play and its importance in the lives of young children, confusion remains about what is and is not play. This session examines the purpose of play and the difference between real play and play-like activity.

$20.00 $16.00
Save 20% | Offer Ends 01/01/2025

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Defining Play
Contact Jeff About This Training
Training Topics

Description

While play researchers and theorists have established a clear and agreed-upon definition of play and its importance in the lives of young children, confusion remains about what is and is not play. This session examines the purpose of play and the difference between real play and play-like activity.

Outcomes / Goals

Attendees will

  • Become familiar with the five conditions of play
  • Understand the difference between real play and play-like activities
  • Understand the importance of real play

Competency Area

  • Alabama | Learning Experiences And Enrichment / Child Development
  • Illinois | Curriculum Or Program Design
  • Michigan | Teaching And Learning
  • Missouri | Use A Broad Repertoire Of Teaching Skills And Strategies For Learning
  • Nebraska | Planning Learning Experiences And Curriculum
  • Oklahoma | Learning Environments And Curriculum
  • South Dakota | Learning Environments
  • Wisconsin | Learning Experiences, Strategies, And Curriculum
  • CDA | Advancing Children’s Physical And Intellectual Development

Clock Hours

Available in 60 and 90-minute formats

Agenda 

This is the breakdown for the 60-minute version of the session:

TopicTimeActivity
Introduction05 minutesMonologue
The 5 Conditions Of Play25 minutesDiscussion
REAL Play Vs Play-Like Activity25 minutesDiscussion
Conclusion05 minutesMonologue

Related Resources

This session is based in part on content from my books:

  • Let Them Play
  • Let’s Play
  • Let’s All Play

Content Level

Beginner / Intermediate

Age Group Focus

  • Toddlers (12 months to 36 months)
  • Preschool (36 months to 5 years)
  • School Age (5 years to 12 years)
  • Adults

Target Audience

  • Family Child Care Providers
  • Child Care Center Teachers
  • Child Care Center Directors
  • Head Start Teachers
  • Head Start Administrators
  • Early Head Start Teachers
  • Service Coordination Staff
  • Technical Assistance Specialists
  • Home Visitors
  • Parents

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