The Journal of the National Association for the Education of Young Children Volume 81 ▪ No 3 Fall 2026
Integrating Guided Play and Hands-On Learning: Insights and Application
4 Introduction
6 The Power of Play: A Discussion About Joyful Teaching and Deeper Learning Michelle Kang and Kathy Hirsh-Pasek
14 Growing with Play: Guided Play in the Primary Years Amy Schmidtke
20 Sustaining Playful Pedagogy: Supporting Guided Play in Prekindergarten Through Third Grade Sierra Dinges
30 A Strengths-Based Approach to Guided Play: Strategies for Connecting with Families and Communities Socorro Garcia, Karen L. B. Burgard, and Melissa M. Jozwiak
36“ The Pedagogy Bends Around Each Child”: Reflections on Incorporating Guided Play Throughout the Day Lauren Fleming
42 Play in the Primary Grades: How Educators Can Embed Guided Play to Meet Curricular Goals Robyn Ridgley, Katherine A. Mangione, and Martin Ridgley
52 Guided Play as a Tool to Support Children Experiencing Trauma Katie Fields, Emily Spivey, and Barb Carter
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YC Staff
Annie Moses Editor in Chief Susan Donsky Senior Editor Charity Coleman Senior Creative Design Manager Gillian Frank Senior Creative Design Specialist Ashley McGowan Creative Design Specialist Emily Wehby Associate Editor Elizabeth You Associate Editor Codi Trump Senior Business Development Specialist Michelle Kang Chief Executive Officer Naomi Dillon Chief Communications Officer Alissa Mwenelupembe Chief Early Learning Quality and Research Officer Susan Friedman Senior Director, Publishing and Content Development Treva Bustow Senior Director, Membership Nicole Santa Director, Marketing
YC – Young Children( ISSN 1538‐6619) is published quarterly( published in the months of March, June, September, and December) by the National Association for the Education of Young Children( NAEYC), 1401 H Street NW, Suite 600, Washington, DC 20005.
Through its publications program, NAEYC provides a forum for discussion of major issues and ideas in our field. We hope to provoke thought and promote professional growth. The views expressed or implied are not necessarily those of the Association. Acceptance of advertising does not represent NAEYC’ s endorsement of any product or service, nor is NAEYC responsible for representations made by advertisers.