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Teachers

in ACTIVITIES, RESOURCES

The Power of Free Play: How to Strengthen Creativity and Critical Thinking in Early Childhood

September 27, 2025
525

In today’s world of busy schedules, structured routines, and academic standards, one of the most valuable and natural resources in children’s development is often underestimated: free play.

As a coach and founder of the Asociación de Proveedoras Unidas, I have witnessed the positive impact that free play has in classrooms and homes where childhood is honored with respect, curiosity, and freedom. This type of play, in which the child chooses what, how, and with whom to play, it’s much more than entertainment: is a fundamental tool for developing essential life skills.

What is free play?

Free play is spontaneous, undirected by adults, and is based on the initiative and imagination of the child. There are no specific instructions, imposed objectives, or specific materials. The child decides, explores, experiments, and repeats without fear of making mistakes.

This can be seen in actions as simple as building blocks, playing house, running outdoors, inventing characters, or transforming a cardboard box into a rocket ship. Each experience is loaded with deep and meaningful learning.

Benefits of Free Play

Numerous studies and child development experts agree that free play:

✓ Strengthens creativity and imagination

✓ Develop social skills such as negotiation, empathy and cooperation

✓ Promotes critical thinking and problem solving

✓ Supports emotional self-regulation and self-control

✓ Promotes independence, self-esteem and decision-making

How can we support free play in educational spaces?

As childcare providers, we have the power to create environments rich in opportunities for free play. Here are some strategies:

🎨 Provide open-ended materials: blocks, fabric, boxes, shapes, dirt, water, non-textbooks, etc.

🌱 Provide sufficient time without interruptions or rigid structures.

👀 Observe without directing: accompany the play without intervening, allowing the child to lead.

🏡 Value play as much as academic activities: play is also learning.

👧🏾👦🏻 Respect each child’s individual pace and personal interests.

The role of the adult: guiding without controlling

As adults, our role is not to direct the game, but to create the conditions for it to happen. Being present, available, and attentive allows children to feel safe exploring, imagining, and creating. Close observation gives us insights into their emotional, social, and cognitive development, without the need for direct assessment.

Exploring with Imagination: Free Play in Action

In this spontaneous activity, the children decided to build their own tent. Using sheets, cushions, and classroom furniture, they collaborated, shared ideas, and figured out how to set up their play space together. For over an hour, this ‘camp’ transformed into a house, a tent, a secret hideout… whatever their imaginations allowed!

This type of free play encourages creativity, critical thinking, communication, and autonomy. When we allow children to lead their own play, we give them the opportunity to learn with joy, depth, and meaning.

Conclusion

Promoting free play in our nurseries and early childhood centers does not mean regressing in learning; it is to move forward with purpose and awareness toward a healthier, more experiential, and truly meaningful childhood.

Let us always remember: when a child plays, they are rehearsing life.

Contribution by Carmen Hernandez – Registered Community Coach and Child Development Advocate

in Uncategorized

BIOGRAPHY: Eunice E. Heredia-Colon

December 1, 2024
1016

I was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico and currently residing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I am a wife and mother of 2 (Mateo and Marena) who fill my life with energy with their constant demands. As a family, we love spending time together: building Legos, letting our imaginations fly, playing board games, going for walks, or just enjoying each other’s company.

I am bilingual, with a bachelor’s degree in Special Education, specializing in visual impairments and with a second concentration in art education. Additionally, I have a master’s degree in educational administration and supervision.

I worked for three years in the public schools of Puerto Rico and, since 2013, I have been an elementary special education teacher at MPS. In 2015, being a mother for the first time, I identified a great need in the field of daycare.

That is why, in 2017, I founded Gardner Learning Center, LLC. My mission is to foster the educational and personal development of each child and staff member who is part of our facilities. Our program focuses on meeting the physical, social, and emotional needs of each child, providing them with a quality academic education to facilitate their transition to school.

Seven years later, we remain committed to our vision of serving the early education community. That’s why we are working on opening a new daycare center by 2025. I continue to find immense joy and satisfaction in my daily work, caring for and accompanying children along with their parents.

In addition to being a childcare provider, I am a certified CPR instructor and facilitator of fundamental educational courses for working in daycare centers.

My passion for helping others drives me to support the professional growth of other providers. Since January 2024, I have been collaborating with the Proveedoras Unidas Association, offering training and workshops to empower childcare providers in our community.

My ultimate goal is to contribute to the childcare sector, providing the tools and knowledge necessary to achieve success. I firmly believe that collective growth benefits the children and families we serve.

In my free time, I love to paint, draw, crocheting, embroidery, build with Legos, and write in a journal. I also really enjoy cooking for my family. Food is a way to connect with our Puerto Rican roots and strengthen our family ties.

Contribution by Eunice E. Heredia-Colon, MEd.

in RESOURCES

Building Strong Foundations: The Importance of Daily Routines with Infants and Toddlers

December 1, 2024
921

Routines are the cornerstone of early childhood development. They provide a sense of security, predictability, and structure that is crucial for young children’s growth and well-being. This article delves into the significance of daily routines for infants and toddlers, exploring how parents and daycare providers can work together to support these routines and foster positive relationships.

According to Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, children develop their cognitive abilities through various experiences. Routines offer a consistent framework that allows children to explore and learn about their world.

They help children develop:

Social-emotional skills: Routines can help children develop important social skills, such as sharing, taking turns, and cooperating.

Predictability: Knowing what to expect can reduce anxiety and stress, allowing children to focus on learning and playing.

Independence: Routines can empower children to become more self-sufficient as they learn to anticipate and perform tasks independently.

Language development: Routines provide opportunities for children to hear and use language repeatedly, which can enhance their vocabulary and communication skills.

The Role of Parents and Daycare Providers

To ensure that daily routines are effective, parents and daycare providers must work together to create a consistent and supportive environment.

Parental Support for Daycare Providers:

  1. Open Communication: Parents should maintain open and honest communication with daycare providers, sharing information about their child’s routines at home. This helps providers understand the child’s preferences and needs.
  2. Consistent Routines: Parents should strive to maintain consistent routines at home, especially during mealtimes, nap times, and bedtime. This helps children transition smoothly between home and daycare.
  3. Positive Reinforcement: Parents should praise their children for following routines and encourage them to express their feelings about the transition to daycare. Positive reinforcement can help alleviate any anxiety or resistance.

Daycare Provider Support for Parents:

  1. Consistent Routines: Daycare providers should establish and maintain consistent routines within the classroom, such as mealtimes, nap times, and circle time. This helps children feel safe and secure in their new environment.
  2. Open Communication: Providers should communicate regularly with parents, sharing updates about their child’s progress and addressing any concerns.
  3. Transitional Objects: Encourage parents to provide a familiar object, such as a favorite toy or blanket, to help their child feel more comfortable during the transition to daycare.
  4. Montessori-Inspired Approach: Consider incorporating elements of the Montessori method, which emphasizes independence, self-directed learning, and respect for the child. This can help children develop a sense of agency and control over their environment.

Building Positive Relationships

A strong and positive relationship between parents and daycare providers is essential for the well-being of the child. By working together, parents and providers can create a supportive and nurturing environment that promotes children’s growth and development.

Key Strategies for Building Positive Relationships:

  • Active Listening: Both parents and providers should actively listen to each other’s concerns and perspectives.
  • Respect and Empathy: Show respect for each other’s roles and responsibilities and try to understand each other’s point of view.
  • Collaboration: Work together to find solutions to challenges and support the child’s development.
  • Trust and Transparency: Build trust by being honest and open with each other.

By following these guidelines, parents and daycare providers can create a supportive and nurturing environment that fosters children’s growth, development, and well-being. Daily routines provide a solid foundation for children’s learning and development, and when parents and providers work together, they can ensure that these routines are effective and beneficial.

Contribution by Eunice E. Heredia-Colon, MEd.

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