Why don’t the children engage in a new play scenario? Should we worry about these children’s apparent lack of pretend play skills, and if so, how can teachers intervene? These might not be the most burning questions on the minds of preschool and especially kindergarten teachers. In an age of rising expectations and tougher academic standards, educators are more likely to pay attention to issues that seem to be more closely related to school readiness. “I used to have a lot more play,” sighs a kindergarten teacher, “and now my principal does not understand why I want to keep the playhouse in my room. She thinks children should play at home and come to school to learn...."

Outdoor play is an important part of the conversation about health and wellness for young children for a variety of reasons. It is associated with greater amounts of physical activity in children, and whole body exercise has a long-lasting influence throughout childhood (Baranowski et al. 1993; Brown et al. 2009). Children who regularly play outdoors tend to be fitter and leaner, develop stronger immune systems, play more creatively, have more active imaginations, report lower stress levels, and demonstrate greater respect for themselves and others (Fjørtoft 2004; Burdette & Whitaker 2005)....

Using persona puppets to talk with children about their problems is the most valuable tool in my bag of teaching tricks. The puppets are so good at helping children get along! Puppets allow young children to think about solutions to conflicts and are a great way for children to explore their feelings...