Joy to the World

This holiday season, we wish you joy, good cheer and overflowing happiness.  Joy is actually a central component to learning in our early grades (ages 0 - 8).  Kids learn best when they are engaged in play, finding the joy of these playful interactions with peers and with their world.   

Joyful play sparks the brain's reward center, triggering the release of dopamine (the feel good chemical!). Higher dopamine levels are linked to better memory, attention, creativity, mental flexibility, and motivation. So, play should be central to all learning whether at home or at school and learning should be joyful.

“ Play promotes joyful learning that fosters self-regulation, language, cognitive and social competencies as well as content knowledge across disciplines. Play is essential for all children, birth through age 8.” (according to NAEYC, Principles of Child Development and Learning and Implications that Inform Practice)

Be sure to enjoy your holiday break and fill it with plenty of joy and piles of opportunities for play for the kids age 1 to 92!  

Happy Holidays to you all.  


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