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A group of people standing in a line inside a classroom with wooden desks and large windows in the background.

Promoting Play for Refugee Children: Kyegegwa district of Uganda.

The project aim was to improve on how children learn in primary schools by promoting, increasing and sustaining the use of learning through play techniques by teachers, parents, education managers who surround and interact with refugee children at school, home and in refugee camps.

A small wooden shelf filled with various books, including children's books, novels, and history titles. Two round badges and a heart-shaped button are placed on the bottom shelf.

Little Free *Banned Books* Library project: West Orange, New Jersey

Installing and hosting a Little Free *Banned Books* Library aligns well within DEY’s principal goals. Hosting a space where children and families will have greater and free access to a wide range of books supports literacy development and in this current social and political climate, offering free banned books is a form of political and educational advocacy.

A group of people, including children and women in colorful clothing, sit outdoors surrounded by plants and trees. Some are seated while others crouch on the ground.

A New Play Patio and Sensory Garden for Puerta Abierta Atitlan: Santiago Atitlan, Solola Guatemala

The Puerta Abierta believes that all children and their families deserve a dignified and progressive education, one that evokes curiosity about the world we live in. The goal of the joint project between Puerta Abierta and Mya was to provide an opportunity for the early childhood education program at the school to enhance their outdoor play garden.

Book cover showing three children playing outdoors. The cover reads: "Let the Children Play: How More Play Will Save Our Schools and Help Children Thrive" by Pasi Sahlberg & William Doyle.

Let the Children Play Book Study in Birmingham, Alabama

If we want teachers to incorporate play in their classrooms, they need to be knowledgeable on the practices that are based on research. Teachers are our first line of defense in keeping play in classrooms. But to do it, they must know about and believe in the benefits. More than just knowing, teachers need to be able to articulate why play is critical for our children. The book study allowed undergraduate students, our future teachers, to access the related research in a way that is developmentally appropriate for preservice teachers.

Group of people gathered indoors, sitting and interacting in a cozy wooden room.

Creation of a Small Outdoor Hut in Tábor, Czech Republic

Outdoor Hut: We believe that our programme gives a lovely opportunity for children and their parents to experience real play and support children’s development at their own pace.

Children engaging in a sensory play activity with themed materials and toys on a table.

Sensory Bin Library in Cedar Springs, MD

The goal of this project is to provide open-ended, play-based experiences for students throughout the day. We have been trying to think outside of the box and create classroom environments where kids can explore and learn through their senses.