The Importance of Play

Children learn best through play. Play has a very important role in helping children learn the skills they need to do well in school, build relationships and understand others.

In fact, play is so important for child development that the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights has recognized play as a right of every child. Play is an activity freely chosen for the joy and fun it brings.

If it isn’t enjoyable for the child, it isn’t play! But play is more than just fun! It is the most important thing a child can do. Play is the engine that drives a child’s development. Through play children try out roles, test limits, and develop basic physical and mental skills.

THE BENEFITS OF PLAY

Through play, children learn to:

• Develop friendships – play promotes social interaction and social skills
• Communicate ideas and feelings – play provides opportunities for children to develop speech and language abilities and also to practice listening
• Focus and maintain attention on an activity
• Solve problems and help the brain develop – imaginative play and role-playing are very important kinds of play that help the brain develop in more functional and positive ways.
• Practice appropriate behaviour in group settings
• Practice decision-making skills – when play is allowed to be child-driven children are able to move at their own pace while practicing decision-making and discovering their own areas of interest
• Enjoy math, reading and science
• Remain physically active – encouraging active (particularly outdoor) play is one of the best ways to increase physical activity in children and is one important strategy in the fight against increasing obesity among our children

EXAMPLES OF HOW CHILDREN LEARN THROUGH PLAY

For a child, almost any object offers and opportunity for learning.

• Babies learn about shapes and size by trying to fit a round block into a square peg. They learn about texture by touching various objects.
• When an 18 month old deliberately breaks a toy, she is not just being destructive; she is also learning that she can effect change on objects.
• Through active play like jumping up and down, playing hopscotch or swinging on a swing, children learn to develop balance, coordination and strength in addition to keeping them active and healthy.
• Active play with other children can teach other things such as taking turns and sharing.
• Pretend or imaginary play helps children understand the feelings of others, improve their language and social skills, build self-esteem and solve problems
• Choosing their own play also helps children develop important learning skills such as making decisions, solving problems and communicating with others.

STAGES OF PLAY

Children go through various stages of play as they grow.

STAGE 1: SOLITARY PLAY – Children play alone, are completely absorbed in what they are doing and do not pay attention to others.

STAGE 2: PARALLEL PLAY – Children play the same game or activity next to each other, but they are not playing with each other. They may observe and copy others but don’t interact with them. This stage is common in toddlers around 2 years of age.

STAGE 3: ASSOCIATIVE PLAY – occurs when children are about 3-4 years old. Children play together and talk with each other, but they do not work together in an organized manner to create something.

STAGE 4: COOPERATIVE PLAY – starts from about 4-5 years of age. Children play together in an organized or structured way and communicate with each other towards a common goal – e.g building a lego house. Children learn respect for others property, realize they need permission to use others toys, and are more willing to share their toys.

WHAT CAN PARENTS DO?

• Make time for play! Many parents think they have to teach through lessons or classes. Often the best learning takes place during play.
• Repetition may be boring to you, but it’s not to your child. Children learn by repeating. Let your child play the same game or play with the same toy over and over. They will move on when they are ready
• Get involved! – Become part of their game rather than trying to lead the way. Let them make the rules
• Let your child determine the pace of play. The best way to teach a new skill is to show your child how something works, then step back and give them a chance to try. Fight the urge to constantly correct them. Allow them to work things out for themselves
• Don’t force or prolong play. Play is meant to be fun. When your child is tired of an activity, it is time to move on.
• Consider safety. Help your child understand any safety rules for play. You do not always have to be involved in your child’s play but you do need to supervise. Make an area safe for children to play. Move small or breakable objects out of reach and take safety precautions.
• Praise and encourage your child when exploring new things. This helps your children develop self-esteem and encourages them to make their own decisions.
• Encourage active play. Encourage your children to play outside and be active instead of watching TV, playing on phones and tablets or computer games
• Toys do not have to be expensive! Allow your child to be creative. Common household items can be turned into exciting toys and games…. Cardboard boxes, empty toilet rolls, clothes pins, empty plastic bottles, bottle caps, old socks. The possibilities are endless!

WHEN TO BE CONCERNED? You should be concerned and seek medical advice if your child:

• By 18 months shows no signs of pretend play (e.g pretends to drive a toy car up a road, uses an empty spoon to pretend to feed daddy, pretend plays with dolls) or does not point to objects of interest.
• Doesn’t engage with other children, and doesn’t make eye contact with them even when engaging in a similar activity
• Has no empathy or regard for the feelings of other children after 2 years of age
• Mimics adult sexual behaviour in his play