Your role

Preschool teachers support children in play by:

• engaging children in more sophisticated play and problem solving by modeling and extending play.
• stepping back and allowing the children to take the lead as they explore and engage with the many materials available to them.
• including open-ended play materials and introducing new play activities and materials on a consistent basis.  
• Design the classroom environment to encourage and support children's engagement by providing adequate space and open-ended play materials. Regularly introduce new activities and materials by announcing them and sharing during large groups.

Provide predictable routines and clear boundaries so children can engage in developmentally appropriate play. You can teach them what to do by:

• Being explicit about expectations.
• Modeling strategies they can use instead of challenging behaviors.
• Introduce games with rules and model sophisticated play routines. Go on field trips to expand their horizons of exploration of engagement.