Engages in Playful Activities (E1.5.4)
Sub Category: Development Through Play
Credential Level: Level 1 •
Age Group: Infant, Toddler, Pre-K
COMPETENCY STATEMENT
Engages in playful activities throughout the day (songs, books, games, pretending)
DEFINITIONS
The teacher conducts and engages in activities and experiences that are full of play. Teachers model, demonstrate and guides activities with enthusiasm and light-hearted tone.
EXAMPLES
Engages in Playful Activities
Age Group: Infant
Age Group: Infant
In this exemplar video, a teacher uses animal puppets to bring in new vocabulary and concepts. Notice how the teacher has children interact with the puppet characters to gently steer play –an example of engaging in playful activities throughout the day.
Engages in Playful Activities
Age Group: Toddler
Age Group: Toddler
In this exemplar video, a teacher engages in pretend play with a child and interacts with a laptop. Notice how the teacher uses pretend play to suggest scenarios and type letters on the keyboard –an example of engaging in playful activities throughout the day.
Engages in Playful Activities
Age Group: Pre-K
Age Group: Pre-K
In this exemplar video, a teacher sings the alphabet song with children after working on an alphabet puzzle. Notice how the teacher uses playful singing to encourage and praise children’s persistence –an example of engaging in playful activities throughout the day.
Engages in Playful Activities
Age Group: Infant
Age Group: Infant
In this exemplar video, a teacher is engaged in floor play with an infant child. Notice how the teacher uses singing and guided movement to engage the child and make connections to the toy –an example of engaging in playful activities throughout the day.
Engages in Playful Activities
Age Group: Infant
Age Group: Infant
In this exemplar video, a teacher is engaged in floor play with an infant child. Notice how the teacher uses singing and guided movement to engage the child and make connections to the toy –an example of engaging in playful activities throughout the day.
Engages in Playful Activities
Age Group: Infant
Age Group: Infant
In this exemplar video, a teacher is engaged in floor play with an infant child. Notice how the teacher uses singing and guided movement to engage the child and make connections to the toy –an example of engaging in playful activities throughout the day.
Engages in Playful Activities
Age Group: Toddler
Age Group: Toddler
In this exemplar video, a teacher engages in pretend play with toddler children. Notice how the teacher demonstrates how to dress the baby and sing the baby to sleep –examples of engaging in playful activities throughout the day.
Engages in Playful Activities
Age Group: Toddler
Age Group: Toddler
In this exemplar video, a teacher interacts with children as they engage in book exploration. Notice how the teacher uses movement to engage children in the story–an example of engaging in playful activities throughout the day.
Engages in Playful Activities
Age Group: Pre-K
Age Group: Pre-K
In this exemplar video, a teacher sings a song and plays with students during a transition. Notice how the teacher uses music and playful interaction—an example of engaging in playful activities throughout the day.
WAYS TO PRACTICE
A Searching We Will Go
Age Group: Pre-K
Age Group: Pre-K
In this Circle Activity, children explore their environment by searching for items that match specific characteristics—such as color, shape, or category. It supports language development, observation skills, and cognitive sorting through playful movement and group participation.
Act it Out
Age Group: Pre-K
Age Group: Pre-K
In this Circle Activity children take turns acting out familiar actions, animals, or emotions—such as brushing teeth, hopping like a frog, or showing surprise—while others guess what they’re portraying. This encourages expressive communication, body awareness, and social interaction through imaginative play.
Act Out Actions
Age Group: Pre-K
Age Group: Pre-K
In this Circle Activity children develop self-regulation and executive function skills through playful movement. In this activity, children act out various actions, like hopping, clapping, or tiptoeing, based on prompts, which encourage focus, memory, and impulse control in a fun and engaging way.