What are some ways you encourage children’ s play that nurtures their health, well-being, and creative expression?

In this edition of Ask HELLO, we share excerpts from recent discussions on HELLO( NAEYC’ s members-only online forum) that focus on how teachers can support children’ s health and well-being through play.

— EYC Editorial Team

Bring lots of loose parts into your outdoor play space. For example, we got milk crates from a local business that was going to throw them away. You can also use sleds. We don ' t even have hills, but the kids just pulled each other, taking turns. Through this big body play, they develop muscles and core strength. You can use buckets and shovels year-round( with snow or sand or mulch). Try offering fabric pieces to use as capes or to cover spaces to make forts. Children can also use tree stumps to sit on or jump or step from one to another.

CASSANDRA, MARYLAND

Children love moving dirt and other natural materials. Offer sticks, child-size shovels, rakes, wheelbarrows, wagons, and dump truck toys. Children can use shovels to dig holes then fill them in. They can use rakes to pile up leaves, pine needles, acorns, or other loose materials. If desired, they can fill a wagon, wheelbarrow, or dump truck and move it to another area. Children can use sticks to dig stones out of the ground. Children learn about using the stick as a digging tool but also as a lever to pop the stones out. Shoveling, raking, and digging require balance, muscle strength, and bilateral coordination. You can integrate dramatic play with this!

CARRIE, TEXAS

58 Educating Young Children

Summer 2026