SHARING WEB RESOURCES

Sharing Web Resources

The information that seemed relevant to my current professional development is the website, The Zero to Three. I have a 17month old son and I also have a passion for working with young children, so this website seemed obvious for me to study more in depth. The information provided me with great insight in order to be able to take care of a person during the early period in life. Even though the website provided sections designed to help individuals in supporting and nurturing the health and develop of babies and toddlers, I devoted my time in reviewing the section; behavior and health, regarding to play. The first three years of life are a period of incredible growth in all areas of a baby’s development (Zero and Three, 2012).

            There’s a lot happening during playtime. Children are busy when they’re playing. And, more than that, they are learning. They are learning key scientific concepts, such as what sinks and floats; mathematical concepts, including how to balance blocks to build a tower; and literacy skills, such as trying out new vocabulary or storytelling skills as children “act out” different roles. Play is the true work of childhood (Zero and Three, 2012). These social-emotional skills give them the self-esteem and self-confidence they need to continue building loving and supportive relationships all their lives (Zero and Three, 2012).

            The information from the website adds to my understanding of how economists, neuroscientists, or politicians support the early childhood field. These voices are realizing that investing into young children is vital because this is the time were they are learning and are developing a sense of who they are. Through play, children learn problem-solving, interpersonal skills, communication, and other skills integral to success in school and life (Jacobson, 2004). These professionals are seeing that play is vital for young children’s brain development. Different types of play may be beneficial during growth as well; such as, exploring, the use of imagination, physical play, etc. Play aides a child’s thinking because they are so curious about the things around them. As a baby grows he learns to use his body to make new discoveries, transforming into learning to communicate better with gestures, sounds, and words and eventually able to process things and develop problem solving skills.

            Another great insight that I gained from exploring this website is parents are their child’s favorite toy, and perhaps nothing is more essential and rewarding than the enjoyment children experiences from time spent playing with their parents (Jacobson, 2004).

Reference

Jacobson, S. (2004). The Power of Play: Learning through play from birth to three. Zero to Three: A national nonprofit promoting the healthy development of babies and toddlers www.zerotothree.org

Zero To Three: National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families www.zerotothree.org