Playing is such an important part of a child's life and development. Whether it's playing with dolls, building Legos, or playing "house", play is much more than having fun. It facilitates learning and creativity!
"Studies show that when kids don't have the opportunity to play outside in nature, they are at higher risk for attention problems and behavior problems," Jumaily explains. "Without proper play, kids do not have the chance to stretch their imagination and build the skills they need to succeed in the workplace and in their life. A lack of play can also stunt an individual's social and emotional development."
Through play, a child begins to learn how to interact and communicate with peers and adults. They start to understand what is socially acceptable versus not. If a conflict arises, they will learn how to resolve it. They also will learn how to process a variety of emotions, such as anger, sadness, etc., when losing a game. Playing can help boost their self-esteem and learn more about themselves.
Additional to social and emotional benefits, play is great to build physicality. Swimming, running, sports, dancing, etc. help build a child's gross motor skills.
Cognitively, play helps build connections in a child's brain. They learn about cause and effect through a game or activity. With new experiences, a child is constantly conceptualizing. Play encourages children to use their imagination, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
Written by Madison Dwyer