JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2015

The Value of Play

Have you ever watched children and thought, "they're just playing". Playtime is more than just frivolous fun. It is an essential component to a child's healthy development and early learning. You can encourage a child's early learning and development at home (and at child care) by providing toys, materials and opportunities that encourage them to explore, express themselves, and experiment. Here are some tips to keep in mind the next time you see children who are "just playing."

  

Take Five_1It's their job. Children have a lot to learn in their early years - including language, physical skills, and how the world around them works. Children learn these important life skills through play. Play also helps children relieve stress and improve behavior.

 

You're never to young (or old) to play. Infants and toddlers learn about themselves and their world by testing things as they play and explore. Something as simple as shaking an item and discovering that it makes noise is an important learning moment. 

 

Take Five_3It strengthens social skills and creativity. Dramatic (pretend) play strengthens a child's creativity and imagination. It also helps them test out and practice social-emotional skills, such as empathy and how to interact with others.

 

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Add music to the mix. Strengthen a child's coordination and rhythm by playing a variety of tunes that inspire them to move in different ways. Provide scarves to add a new dimension to their movements and share some of your own dance moves!

 

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Change things up. Watch how your child plays and respond to their needs. Children move through stages of development at different rates. What fascinated your child six months ago may no longer hold their interest if they've moved beyond that stage.

 

 

More resources for you to explore.
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Q. 
I want to do what I can to make sure my child is ready for school, but it seems like all they ever do at child care is play. Should I be doing more?

  

A. 

Don't underestimate the value of play. Children learn social skills, pre-reading, math, problem solving and coordination while playing. Talk with your child care provider about your child's daily activities and what skills they may be gaining along the way

Think also about your child's environment at home. Do you provide them with the time and space to explore, play, dream and experiment as well? Your child may be "learning" more than you think even if is looks like they are "just playing."