Play comes naturally to kids. They use it as a way to express their feelings and learn new things. In the age of electronics we live in, video games and television can take over a child’s free time. It is important to be intentional about creating opportunities where children can play freely, use their imaginations, and have fun.
Traditional play can provide the following lasting benefits for children:
Social skills and leadership development
Children learn valuable social skills that will help them be successful as they grow. By taking turns, sharing, and interacting with others they are learning how to appropriately respond to others. During play, they are able to practice both their verbal and nonverbal communication skills. They also learn to negotiate when things don’t go as planned. Experimenting with different roles in their family and community as they pretend to play house, school, or store helps them gain insight into the world around them and interpret the feelings of others. (www.education.com)
Motor skills development
Children develop their fine motor skills through play. Using crayons to color a picture helps develop fine motor skills. Other activities that help develop fine motor skills are playing with play-doh, practicing scissoring, stringing beads, and using lacing cards. Gross motor skills are also developed during play time. Games like tag or hopscotch integrate the large muscle movement which will help children gain balance and spatial relationship to the world. Playing and climbing at the park helps kids learn to use their bodies and provides vital exercise for children. (www.handsonwegrow.com)
Problem-solving skills and emotional development
Kids can work through their emotions by simplifying situations through play. This helps them express their feelings and regain control. “Play supports emotional development by providing a way to express and cope with feelings.” (www.education.com) They may act out something that scared them, like a car accident they saw while driving past. They may also play out something they are not allowed to do and then work through the consequences through play. “Play can be a safe outlet to work through situations that cause them anxiety, such as starting school or visiting the doctor. Letting the child take on the role of the authority figure will help them process how events may unfold.” says Early Childhood Education Educator, Kara Thomas.
Development of imagination
Play builds a child’s imagination. You can help your child with imaginative play by role-playing with them. Call them on the pretend phone, ask them to cook you lunch in the play kitchen, or have them use the doctor kit to do a check up on you. Engage them in conversation while you act out these scenarios. Often, you will be surprised at their perceptions. By role-playing, they learn to better understand their surroundings and build their imagination.
Traditional play time allows kids to work through their emotions in a healthy way and develop important skills. It is vital to provide a child with adequate play time in their day, especially with all the distractions in today’s digital world. The best part is, the kids will be having so much fun, they won’t realize they are learning.
Sarah Lyons is a freelance writer and midwestern mom of six children, including 2 year old triplets.