DOUBLE TAP TO ZOOM WITH PHONE OR TABLET Time to Reflect You too have an important role in setting the stage for play in your learning environment. What do you think Nadia did to set the stage for play? ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ You might have noted the activities she set up or the interest areas she designed, but there are other ways Nadia helped children engage in play. She paid attention to how much time she allotted to free-choice time, she carefully chose props and materials that encouraged a range of involvement, and she helped children collect new props or solve conflicts with each other. Before she even began planning space and choosing toys, she had learned how play skills develop and how to observe children as they play. Children Need Adult Support If you set the stage for play with goals in mind, you will ensure children gain the kind of play experiences they need to develop and thrive. Children learn more if adults support their play in the following ways: • Understand how play skills develop. • Observe children as they play. • Set up the play space. • Include engaging and varying props. • Provide enough time for play. • Facilitate friendships. • Help solve conflicts. 6 | Introduction COPYRIGHTED MATERIAL