Play & Learn
A motor-based preschool curriculum for children of all abilities
Click thumbnails to download sample lessons
Facilitating friendships at the preschool level among all children is at the core of the Play and Learn curriculum. Based on early childhood research, the authors believe that all young children learn best through movement and meaningful play with friends. The curriculum lays a framework that uses a transdisciplinary model of service delivery as the most effective way to teach young children. It is an excellent example of universal design in action since universal design supports an environment where ALL children are included in the same activities within the classroom. All members of the school team are empowered to embed adaptations and simple assistive technology into the daily classroom environment and routines so all children can be full participants in their learning community. Because of the way the curriculum is laid out with theme-based units, it can easily be used in conjunction with other curriculums. The framework addresses the important early childhood domains of language and literacy development, creativity and the arts, cognitive development and physical and motor development. All of these domains support the most critical domain for every child: social and emotional development. The ability to develop friendships and relationships is at the heart of real success in school and life... and the seeds of learning those skills are planted in preschool.
Order PLAY & LEARN here
Book Features
- 260 activities that integrate key features of routines, music, play, and social interactions and align with early childhood indicators of progress
- 12 month theme-based activities that tie to IEP goals and objectives
- Data collection tool for recording student growth and progress
- Monthly theme based literacy recommendations that also reflect diversity of ability
To read the article, "Facilitating Preschool Friendships", written by Mary and Laura for the Closing the Gap Newspaper click here.
Favorite Resources
www.ablenetinc.com - Products and services for persons with disabilities
www.abilitations.com - Toys and sensory motor equipment
www.discountschoolsupply.com - Reasonably priced and fun art supplies
Play & Learn users are saying...
At Lexington School District One we have been using the Play & Learn program for the past two school years. Our special education director gave permission for us to use it as a pilot program in one of our schools. It was so successful, that we have since expanded it to other classrooms in our school district. The teachers love it, the therapists love it and, most importantly, the children all love it! It has given new functional meaning to the IEP process and to working collaboratively as a team to help children achieve their goals!
Randi Cogswell OT
Lexington, South Carolina
Play & Learn is an excellent tool for providers and caregivers who support children with disabilities in natural environments. The most beneficial aspect of the Play & Learn activities is that there are "functional" as well as "therapeutic" activities. When accommodations are made that allow children to engage in play, both children with and without disabilities benefit as they learn to respect differences and share common interests.
Mary M. Shea, EdD,
Project Consultant,
Kids Included Together
San Diego, California
Because of the Play & Learn curriculum, Danna's peers are more interested in what she is doing and want to be her partner in activities. It brings me great joy watching her react when she is interacting with her classmates. This is when she really shines!
Kari Anderson, parent
White Bear Lake, MN