Why is it beneficial for early childhood educators to be familiar with Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky and their theories? Why is it essential for early childhood educators to understand that children learn best through play?

 Journal entry

Before starting your Journal for Unit 1, you need to read the assignment document and also familiarize yourself with Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky and learn a bit about their theories. While the theorists differed on a number of things they shared a belief about the importance of play.

For this first Journal entry, you need to read and review the material provided below and then write your reflection based on these guiding questions:

1) Why is it beneficial for early childhood educators to be familiar with Jean Piaget and Lev Vygotsky and their theories?

2) Why is it essential for early childhood educators to understand that children learn best through play?

3) What is an example of how you could use your knowledge of the importance of play in your work with young children?