Lev Vygotsky, a Russian Psychologist, said that “In play a child always behaves beyond his average age, above his daily behavior.  In play it is as though he were a head taller than himself.” Jean Piaget, a Swiss Psychologist said, “Play is not wasted time but rather time spent building new knowledge from previous experience.”

Infants: Often they react to gestures and actions on the part of their parents or caretakers.  So it is important to encourage this interaction to build self confidence in their abilities.  This is especially true as they begin to imitate the actions and words of those around them.  Sing nursery rhymes like “Polly Put the Kettle On” from my book Teaching With Heart at routine times of the day like when their diapers are being changed, or at mealtime when they are being fed.  Look into their eyes and sing directly to them.  These personal interactions will enhance their focusing skills.

Toddlers: All learning takes place through meaningful interactions with the immediate environment.  Toddlers use play to work though internal and interpersonal conflicts, as they become more able to pursue the skills necessary for later learning.  Have toddlers act out the words and dance with a partner to nursery rhymes like “Polly Put the Kettle On.”  They can use scarves to mimic the actions of tea being poured from a teapot.

Preschoolers: Children’s creative play can be a rewarding and significant way of giving meaning and satisfaction to their lives, and to their world.  Once young children have learned “Polly Put the Kettle On,” they can have a real tea party with their friends.  They should make a couple of different flavors of herbal teas.  Have them pass out paper cups and ice.  Each child should put two ice cubes in their cup the pour their own tea.  This activity will help to not only teach motor skills, (pouring- if they spill the tea, give them a paper towel to clean up by themselves) but sharing (social/emotional skills) too.  Tea parties are a good way to learn about the world’s cultural diversity.  Tea can also be used to teach social studies because it is an important commodity to many different countries in the world, from China, Japan and India to Europe, Great Britain and the United States to name just a few.