The Teacher’s Role in Supporting Play
arly childhood educators wishing to support children’s play need to first be aware of societal factors placing child-directed play at risk. Second, they should be able to differentiate play from other types of children’s activities. Third, they need to understand and employ a variety of strategies that support and extend children’s play every day in both indoor and outdoor learning environments. And finally, teachers of young children need to become play advocates and convince others that play is essential to children’s development, learning, and general well-being (Lester & Russell, 2010).