Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is the work of childhood.”-Fred Rogers
As adults, the word “play” is something we do after the kids are grown and gone or are settling into an empty nester lifestyle. “Play” is also something we look forward to doing after a long week of working hard to earn the money we need to support our families.
But for kids under the age of eight, the word “play” takes on a whole new meaning. Play is the thing that fills their day and consumes their attention. Playtime may seem like a carefree and fundamental part of life for our Littles, but it is a critical piece of their growth and development in reality. Play can also include things like crafts. It’s incredible to see little minds take flights when presents with creative tools like colored construction paper, glue, glitter, and crayons.
Toys will always inspire play, but another vital play-cultivating tool is books.
Books are treasures that can unlock new worlds for young readers; foreign and imaginary worlds, historical worlds, and future worlds. When we open up these worlds via fun and imaginative book-related play and activities, we create building blocks for creative problem-solving skills and the understanding that using our imaginations is a doorway to knowing that all things are possible.
Here are some Booklists that inspire Play, Creativity, and Reading
Help your child’s imagination soar with these books that encourage creativity courtesy of Leanna at All Done Monkey.
Playing dress-up is great fun, but how about pairing the learning of world cultures at the same time? Brilliant! From clothing challenges to learning about different outfits around the world, Jodie from Growing Book by Book shares these children’s books about clothing from all over the world.
Let’s mess up the kitchen! Cooking with kids is another great way to share new cultures, traditions, and ideas with young learners. Jodie from Growing Book by Book also has an exceptional booklist that includes 10 Books to Inspire Cooking with Kids.
If you are looking for more book-related activities, check out Multicultural Children’s Book Day’s FREE Downloadable Classroom Kits. These free kits are FILLED with diverse kidlit recommendations and companion activities to bring the stories to life. GO HERE to view all of the available kits.
Keep Calm and Read ON!
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