The Play & Playground Encyclopedia™

Child-centered, play-based learning is a whole-child educational approach that promotes academic, socio-emotional, and cognitive development through free play, which can also involve guided play by an adult. In guided play, teachers enhance children’s exploration and learning with helpful guidance while being careful not to be invasive in the children’s play.1

• 1. Fisher, Kelly, Kathy Hirsh-Pasek, Roberta M. Golinkoff, Dorothy G. Singer, and Laura Berk. “Playing around in School: Implications for Learning and Educational Policy.” In A. Pellegrini (ed.). The Oxford Handbook of Play. NY:Oxford University Press, pp.