Big Body Play: Why Boisterous, Vigorous, and Very Physical Play Is Essential to Children's Development and Learning

Children Need to Engage in Risky and Rowdy Play

Big body play—the sometimes rowdy, always very physical running, rolling, climbing, tagging, jumping, grabbing, and wrestling that most children love and many adults try to shut down—can and should be an integral part of every early childhood setting. To develop to their full potential, children need to experience proper risks and challenges. When the risk in play is limited, play begins to be limited. And when we limit play, we limit learning.

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