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Writer's pictureNanci Bradley

Worksheets Vs. Play. Identifying and Supporting High Quality Childcare

I recently read a social media thread written by early childhood professionals. Or so they called themselves. It was a discussion on whether or not worksheets were ever appropriate for 2's. I read many responses and people's opinions' varied widely. What I didn't see was any references to research to back up their practices.


Why is this? Early childhood development and the effects of environments and experiences on the developing brain are well-researched. Yet there seems to be a huge gap between what's being studied and what's taking place in the real lives of children living in the united states today.


Here's a fascinating film made by The Center On The Developing Child At Harvard that talks about play and the developing brain.




How could any worksheet compare to the learning that takes place during age appropriate play? As professionals we're better off understanding more about how to support children's play and help them develop strong, assertive (not aggressive) communication skills around that play than we are trying to impose a set curriculum on them.


That's because nature designed play to help us learn things better and faster.


Please consider using this video and other researched-backed ideas for discussion during staff meetings, parenting groups or book clubs.


Thanks for tuning in!


Nanci J Bradley

Founder of early childhood rocks!

non-profit organization

Thanks for reading!


Nanci J Bradley is an early childhood and family educator, author, teacher, family aerobics instructor, and an all-around fun-loving person. She believes in the power of sleep, healthy eating, lifelong learning, and most of all, PLAY!  (click on the word) She studied early childhood ed at Triton College and received her BS in education in 1986 from NIU. She received her MA in human development from Pacific Oaks College in 2011. She lives and teaches in Madison WI.


Join the PLAN Collective and receive 5.5 hours of digital, interactive training when you make a small donation to our organization dedicated to promoting change through early childhood education.

Our training is based on research.


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