Q&A: Learning Through Play in Early Childhood
Sparkler chatted with Jordan Dospil is a Senior Content Specialist at the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL), where she creates curricula for the early childhood space. She has a background as an early childhood educator. Sparkler worked together with Jordan and the team at NCFL to create Play With Purpose, a playgroup program for families with young children.
How do you define play?
I think of play very broadly. For me, play is led by the child, keeps their interest, and it’s FUN.
Does play include reading or singing or other activities that don't involve toys?
Yes! Toys can be great, but I think they are completely optional for play. As far as that goes, I think play could even be something that never leaves our heads — that is completely imaginary. My older kids are big daydreamers and that can be a wonderful way to play.
Why is play important for children?
For so many reasons, but the top ones for me are learning and imagining. Imagining is the key to creative problem-solving that we as humans will always need. Aside from that, though, I think it’s essential for us to give kids the time and space to be kids and play is a huge part of that.
You're a mom and early childhood educator. What is the most effective way you've found to read with young children?
My favorite ways to read with young children are to use voices and sound effects and to get them moving during the book. So for sound effects, if a dog is talking in the book I’ll try to make it sound like a dog — barking and howling. If I have wiggly kids, I’ll get them to act out the book — like huffing and puffing to help the wolf blow the house down in “The Three Little Pigs.”
And what are some objects your family likes to use for "play" that aren't traditional toys?
Kitchen supplies are huge — my toddler loves to whisk anything, or use table knives to cut up cheese and things like that. But I think the kind of play we do most involves just ourselves. We play hand games like patty cake or Itsy Bitsy Spider. We pretend that we’re puppies or kittens, or we trade places and she’s the mommy telling me what to do. Last night we were making shadow puppets with our hands.
Sparkler and NCFL — where you work — created the Play With Purpose curriculum to help families "play with purpose" to support their children's early learning and development. What does playing with purpose mean to you?
To me it’s about activating the power of play. You know, kids are learning from us whether we mean them to or not — and they learn through play. I think of the times I’ve seen my kids pretend to go to work like they see me do, or repeat things I say. I’m not trying to teach them those things! But parents really are their child’s first and best teacher. When we can use play meaningfully to teach kids and strengthen our connections with them, that is so powerful.
You've coached many Play With Purpose playgroups over the years. What do you think are the main things that families gain from participating?
Last week, we trained Play With Purpose playgroup facilitators in San Francisco! What do you think facilitators gain from facilitating these groups?
I think they learn some new ways to talk to families about the value of play and teaching them new tools to engage their children. For a lot of facilitators, it’s also a new way to connect to families in their community, which helps families access resources and support they need even beyond the playgroup.
Do you have any tips for families who feel like it's daunting to start playing? How can they get started?
I was one of those parents! I still sometimes struggle with imaginative play as an adult. My tips:
- Start small — even just two minutes at a time can make a difference. (And it’s often easier to keep going once you start.)
- There are many different kinds of play. Start out by trying what feels right or easy to you.
- Sometimes a song or book can be an easier way to start because the script is right there. Let your child lead the way.
- Follow their interests and their lead. You can even start by just sitting next to them while they play and watching and asking questions.
Learn about Play With Purpose in San Francisco
Interested in learning more about the Play With Purpose program in San Francisco?