For this Performance Task Assessment, you will have an opportunity to demonstrate your ability to analyze a preschool teaching scenario for key concepts related to play and conditions for supporting learning through play, and to communicate with families about the importance of play.

You will also be assessed on the Professional Skills of Written Communication, Technology, and Critical Thinking and Problem Solving. You are strongly encouraged to use the Academic Writing Expectations Checklist when completing this Assessment.

To begin this Assessment, read the Case Scenario, and look for examples of play that illustrate the categories of play, social stages of play, and theories of play.

Also, analyze the scenario for conditions and teacher actions that support play. Finally, as you read the scenario, think about the need to help families understand the importance of play to development and learning. After reading and analyzing, complete Parts I, II, and III below.

Part I: Key Concepts and Theories About Play and Learning

Based on the information presented in the Case Scenario, prepare an analysis of the key concepts and theories that support play. Include the following:

An example of each of the categories of play

An example of each of the social stages of play

Examples of play that illustrate three theories/theorists associated with play

Part II: Conditions That Support Play

Describe examples, from the Case Scenario, of the conditions and characteristics of the preschool environment and teacher actions that support children's learning through play. Be sure the description includes:

Three examples of conditions that support play

Three examples of teacher actions that support play

Part III: Communicating the Importance of Play to Families

As mentioned in the Case Scenario, parents and families have expressed concerns about how much time their preschool children spend playing rather than learning. Respond to these concerns by creating a family-friendly brochure or newsletter explaining to families the importance of play at school and home. Include the following:

Three reasons why play is critically important for preschoolers' development and learning

Graphics, pictures, cartoons, videos, or other media that support the rationale