Early Childhood educators have a working definition or
concept of smart with a basis in curiosity and critical thinking versus the more common concept involving skills of knowledge and fact learned by rote and directed practice. Jones posits that creativity and quick thinking are what makes us successful in the world today. Margaret Mead wrote that we are, rearing unknown children for an unknown world. I love that quote, which Jones included in her article, because it reminds us that a childs identity belongs to the child, it develops, and is revealed to us over time as the child develops and reveals it. The quote is also a reminder that the world is ever-changing. Because of this, its important for early childhood educators to adapt play to suit the lifestyles and backgrounds of children. The example Jones provides is of a teacher providing play materials that coincided with the fishing community. In the example, children then began constructing their own versions of these materials and activities. Adding writing components to other areas of play encourages a permeating sense of literacy and more access to development of literacy skills. Children emerge as readers, writers, artists, scientists, explorers, mathematicians, just as they emerge as individuals. They go through stages of development in all areas of knowledge, skill, and individuality. They pretend, and create systems of their own that revolve around their emergent senses and grasp of various concepts. Good teachers, then, are good at play. They are careful observers and are adept as chameleons at adapting their guidance or lessons to reflect their observations of childs play in the classroom. By understanding that play is practice for the skills that create success for individuals later in life, teachers can learn to foster rich play experiences that ensure the best development possible for their students.