Discover the Highlights Difference

When children are engaged in a fun activity, they experience a particular kind of concentration: Self-consciousness melts away, and they enthusiastically digest information. They are in a relaxed attention. Learning on multiple levels accelerates. 

This is the power of purposeful play—to show children the reward of thinking and creating, the joy of learning, the thrill of discovering strengths and talents, the sweet taste of success. To succeed is to feel smart, and to feel smart is fun. To succeed is to feel hope, and to feel hope is to imagine unlimited possibility. To succeed is to want to succeed again and again; it is to seek out more opportunities to learn and grow. 

This is why we say that play is the work of childhood: For children, purposeful play and fun are the gateway to the skill-building, knowledge, and social and emotional development that will allow them to meet their potential and be productive, fulfilled, and caring humans.

The goal of every Highlights for Children publication is to elicit that thinking and creating for the sake of thinking and creating—a reward unto itself. In Highlights Early Learning products, we strive to achieve the same in early childhood settings. To this end, our products nurture intentional cognitive development and kindergarten-ready skills through guided play and joyful fun that meets children where they are. 

As every early childhood educator knows, the first five years of a child’s life present an urgent need to prioritize brain development. We at Highlights Early Learning also believe that childhood is a short, sweet season. Honoring children for who they are today, not just who they will become, is as critical as ensuring their brains are exercised and developed. 

We believe that purposeful play is the best way for preschool-aged children to achieve the cognitive foundation for success in school and beyond and to respect and celebrate childhood. 

Play that intentionally guides children to practice foundational literacy, numeracy, fine and gross motor, listening and speaking, science, art, and social and emotional skills is vital. Yet we believe it’s not enough.  

Purposeful play must also tap into children’s curiosity and creativity. It must invite their unique perspectives, involve important people in their lives, and help develop their compassion. It must ask them to exercise choice and agency so that they participate in their learning rather than sit on its sidelines. This kind of purposeful play will not just lend to active cognitive development, but it will also cultivate a sense of self-worth and confidence. It will help children believe that they matter. 

Children are their best selves when they are given frequent opportunities to feel smart and valuable and powerful. Purposeful play is the way, and it is the Highlights Early Learning w