Literacy begins with embracing the whole child, says Stacy Benge, an expert on early literacy and a proponent of child-led play. Her mission to help educators approach literacy in a way that builds confident, curious, lifelong learners.

In this podcast, Stacy defines child-led play (and dispels myths about it), including the difference between child-led and adult-led learning.

Stacy also explains how child-led play develops skills essential to literacy, and go through each of them: language, visual perception, phonological awareness and physical development.

She recommends 90 minutes of uninterrupted time in which children are completely in control.

"When I was in the classroom, I found that that's when most of my behavior issues released," she says.

Stacy also describes how listeners can create spaces that promote child- led play and connect all types of play to literacy development!

"Play is that critical piece for that language to develop. I always say a quiet classroom does not produce language," says Stacy.

To learn more about Stacy and her work, visit www.stacybenge.com. You also can connect with her on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Her book, "The Whole Child Alphabet: How Young Children Actually Develop Literacy" is available for purchase on the Exchange Press website.