Why Are My Students Playing So Much??

 

When I think about pioneers in early childhood education who paved the way for play in classrooms, one name stands out: Bev Boss.  Her lifelong dedication to children, creativity and connection has shaped how I understand learning in the early years and her voice remains just as vital today as it did when her research first came out.  She is part of the reason that I have chosen to prioritize learning through play in my classroom. 

Bev Boss was born in 1934 and dedicated her life to revolutionizing early childhood education through a deep understanding of how children learn best...thorugh meaningful and hands-on experiences.  She was the firection of the Roseville Community Preschool in Roseville, California.  This preschool is widely known for its play-based learning environment. What set her apart more than her credentials was her unwavering belief in trusting children and following their learn.  

Bev beleived that play is not "just" a break from learning, but it IS learning.

She emphasized child-led learning over rigid curriculum and direct instruction.

Her philosophy rested on these key principles:

    *Process over product - The joy and value come from the doing and not the outcome

    *Hand-on Learning - Children should build, create, explore and get messy.

    *Sensory Rich Environments - Experiences should be open-ended and engage all senses.

    *Social-Emotional Development First - Building relationships, confidence and communication matters.

One of her most famous quotes is:

In a world that is increasingly focused on early academics, Bev's philosophy serves as a much needed reminder that children learn best when they feel safe, loved and free to explore. 

Her pedagogy supports the whole child. This includes cognitive, emotions physical and social aspects.

It recognizes that each child is unique. Bev Bos’s impact has been immense. She conducted

workshops across the country, authored books such as Don't Move the Muffin Tin and influenced

thousands of educators to embrace developmentally appropriate practice. She advocated for

environments filled with art, music, nature and community. Her work helped shift mindsets away

from worksheets and test prep and toward real learning that sticks.

Where Can You See Her Influence Today?

Many play-based and Reggio-inspired preschools reflect Bev Bos’s philosophy today.

Her legacy lives on in classrooms that offer:

• Outdoor play spaces with mud kitchens and natural materials

• Unstructured time for children to invent their own play

• Loose parts and open-ended art supplies

• Emphasis on collaboration, not competition

Her influence is also seen in early childhood policy debates, where more educators are pushing back

against the “academic pushdown” and advocating for play-based, trauma-informed, and

whole-child approaches.

My Own Practice and Commitment

In my own professional practice, I carry Bev Bos’s wisdom with me daily. One way I incorporate her

philosophy is by creating a “yes” environment—a space where children are encouraged to take safe risks,

make messes, and express themselves freely. I want children to learn from mistakes and know it is okay

to learn from them.

Why I’m Sharing This

Bev Boss wants educators and adults to see children as competent, curious human beings. A reminder that

play is serious work. As educators, caregivers, and advocates, she feels strongly that we protect

that play and continue to nurture environments where children thrive not in spite of play, but because

of it.  This is why when you come to my classroom you may see children engrossed in play. 

They are playing, but they are also learning!

In Bev’s words: “You can't make a seed grow by pulling on it.”

We can only give it the right conditions—and then stand back and watch the magic happen.