Power of Play

Play is powerful.  Play is the primary way children learn about themselves, others and the world.  Through play, children develop the physical, thinking, language, social and emotional skills needed for life.  The parent’s role in play is to choose appropriate toys, encourage positive play experiences and ensure safe play. 

Play has an influence on every aspect of the child’s development, laying the foundation for future reading, writing, mathematical reasoning and creativity skills.  Children develop the following skills in play.

• Physical Skills such as reaching, crawling, walking, running,
  climbing, jumping and balancing are mastered in play.  In addition, when children string beads, play with play dough, or cut with scissors, they are strengthening their small muscle skills.
• Thinking Skills are developed when children construct a block tower, hammer on the pounding bench, or work a puzzle.  Play encourages problem solving and creative thinking abilities.
• Language Skills blossom as the child interacts with others, uses words for play things and activities, or sings songs.
• Social-Emotional Skills are mastered when children learn tofollow directions, cooperate, take turns and share.  Self-esteem, crucial to one’s long term happiness and success is enhanced when children feel competent and achieve their goals in play.

Early Childhood Family Education-ECFE classes offer terrific play opportunities for parents and their young children up to age five.  The early childhood teacher utilizes the Early Childhood Indicators of Progress:  Minnesota’s Early Learning Standards to provide activities that encourage each child’s development.  Many classroom activities can be duplicated at home to continue the learning process.

Not only are parents the child’s first teacher, they are the child’s first and favorite playmates.  Research shows that children who play regularly with their parents enjoy the greatest developmental benefits.

One of the ECFE parent education topics includes information about how children learn, grow and develop through play.  During play, parents observe the child and notice what skills he or she is practicing.  They follow his or her lead, offer new ways to play and have fun playing together.

Child’s play is powerful.  Children are inspired to realize their full potential through play.  Play is the best way for developing the whole child.  Physical, thinking, language and social-emotional skills practiced in play provide the foundation for success in school and in life.