The importance of play
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Updated: November 06, 2009 8:44 AM
Every parent wants the best for their children. There is no doubt about it. And in this ever changing quick-paced world that we live in, we must take time out to enjoy the simple things in life. And the simple thing in life for children is play. Not only simple but important!
Children have to master so many different skills in the early years. We know that these early skills are so important for school success and self esteem. Play can help a child learn and practice almost any of the skills required in school. Play helps children to make friends and problem solve around getting along with others. Play helps children to concentrate on all the language they need for learning. Play is a great way for parents to get involved in their children’s education, and we know that parents are the most important adults in any child’s life. When parents are interested in play with their children, they send a very powerful message to their children about teaching life skills and guiding their children in their education. Play helps children to find their areas of success, enjoy those things that they really love and that’s what we all want for our children - fun ways for children and families to stay healthy and happy.
So what is play? Well, play skills follow a path of learning just like anything else we do.
New born and young infants enjoy shaking, mouthing, banging, turning and exploring toys.
Offering babies chances to look at, listen to, move and feel lots of toys helps them to
explore their world and make connections.
Next, children learn to use objects the way they are meant to be used. A child will brush your hair, his/her hair, and then move right onto the dog or cat! All this time, children are learning how the things in their environment truly work.
Later, children learn to use most toys and objects the right way. They love “show me” play and will quickly model the play of those around them.
As all these play skills develop, so does language. Children begin to be creative around their play. Boxes are used for cars, blocks are used for animals, play dough is used for food!
And finally, children reach the stage of imagination. We just love watching our children play the roles of doctor, teacher, fireman, waiter, or maybe dog, chicken, fish or worm. Children act out familiar routines that they see around the house and community. And this is the bases of learning.
So what can parents do?
Get back to the floor, and enjoy those moments of play with your child. By far the shared enjoyment of play with your child can make the world of difference to your child. Give
your child lots of opportunities to explore and play with objects around them. Encourage lots of sharing and talking. Remember the old pots and pans, boxes, empty cartons. They are still some of the best toys kids can play with today.
Set aside a special time each day to play with your child. Give your child opportunities to play with other children. Provide your child with dolls, blocks, dishes, boxes, cars, trucks, puppets, dress up clothes, and paper and crayons. Encourage your child to play with these toys by joining in the fun. Just play. Minutes per day can make the difference. And watch the smiles you get back in return. Play!
Join in the fun at any one of our wonderful play opportunities that Golden and our Surrounding Areas have to offer. Watch out for advertisements, share the news with friends, and come on out and join the fun!
Brenda Managh of the Giving Tree Society
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