The importance of play for kids
Play is “connected” with kids. Through it they learn about the world, themselves and develop relationships with other kids. It is part of their healthy growth as much as eating vegetables, reading books and sleeping well. Even the United Nations has recognized it as a basic right of every child. Below you will find the reasons why play, in any form, is important for every child.
It cultivates imagination and creativity
During play, children enter into imaginary worlds, give different solutions to “problems”, make their own rules and learn how to follow or adapt these rules according to their needs. These are useful skills for life and developing relationships with others.
It promotes cognitive development
This means that play is essential for the healthy development of the brain. During play, children direct their “actions”. They are not bound by adult-led activities. Unstructured play helps a child’s brain develop in positive ways, it strengthens and increases nerve connections in the brain. These are the pathways in the brain that we used for thinking. Unstructured play also helps build and strengthen the prefrontal cortex, which affects a child’s learning, is essential in problem solving and helps them learn things from their environment.
It has emotional benefits
When adults feel stressed they do activities that calm them down, such as going to the gym, walking, playing board games. These activities are more than just a distraction. It’s a way to bring the game back into our lives. Children function in the same way. Frequent, daily play can help reduce stress, anxiety and irritability. It also helps boost joy and self-esteem. Do you want to learn how to put exercise in a child’s life? Attend the specialised seminar “Kids Athletics Movement School” organized by Base Training.
It’s a way of learning
Children are born ready to learn the language. They learn it through play and interactions. Babies and toddlers learn new words when adults describe what they see, hear and do. Through play, children learn about communication and conversation. The stories in their books also show how language works and how narratives are structured.Playing with small toys helps build muscle in the hands. This helps in later writing.
It encourages independence
Children spend most of their days doing what adults tell them to do. In the world of play, they have the opportunity to set the rules and have the “power”. They can be leaders and adults take instructions from them. Lonely play is just as important as learning how to play with others. It helps children develop a stronger sense of independence. Children who feel comfortable playing alone also feel more capable of coping with other tasks on their own. The development of these skills even contributes to future socialization within a group. Lonely play allows children to experiment with their own creativity. When they are alone, and even bored, children’s brains find new and exciting ways to stimulate themselves.
It promotes physical activity
Children are “designed” to move constantly and many toys and games allow them to do so. Regular, active play has a positive effect on health. It helps them sharpen their reflexes, develop their motor skills, their balance, their heart function. Giota Florou Source: epl.ca Recent Articles
