Image for Dr. Vivian Paley

Dr. Vivian Paley

Dr. Vivian Paley was an influential educator and researcher who studied how children develop social skills through everyday play and storytelling. She believed that allowing children to create their own narratives and interact freely fosters empathy, cooperation, and moral growth. Paley's work emphasized the importance of respect, listening, and community in early childhood education, advocating for classroom environments that support children's natural creativity and social learning. Her insights continue to inform teaching practices that prioritize children's social and emotional development alongside academic learning.