Children and Play- The importance of Play in Development

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Children and Play

A few months ago, I came across an article that stated that most prisons require inmates to spend at least 2 hours of outdoor time, yet most kids spend less than one hour outside (you can read the article here). Now, I do not know the validity of this article and the source from these statements. However, reading this article created this picture in my mind and it completely changed how I spend my summer with my kids.

I wanted to share with you today a little information about children and play:

In a 2014 study, Elis Belknap said: “contrary to the common misconception of play as a frivolous activity, the free spontaneous self-directed play has been founded to critical for the healthy cognitive, social, and physical development of children. ”

If playing is so important, then what is play?

There are several definitions of play but most of them agree that when it comes to playing, the emphasis is not on the idea that plays focus is not on the outcomes, but instead on the process or experience. This process is spontaneous, voluntary and engagement in for its own sake.

It is important to know that play happens when basic needs are met. Play can’t happen when the child is experiencing chronic or acute stress.

The different types of play:

According to Bergen, there are 5 different types of play:

  1. Free play
  2. Guided play
  3. Directed play
  4. Work disguised as play
  5. Work

Each type of play leads to a different outcome. Free play leads to discovery. When children use play they engage in discovery.

The outcomes of play:

Play help children develop literacy skills such as developing and following a narrative while playing pretend.
Through play children can increase their vocabulary narrative, understanding, and verbal fluency.

Play also help children develop mathematical concepts such as money concepts while playing store, or more/less concept while playing with containers in the bathtub.

Play helps with social and emotional development.
Through play children learn to solve conflicts, they learn about the need of others and their own needs.

They learn social skills that will help them later in life.

With so many positive outcomes, isn’t it awesome can help our kids grow academically by just allowing them to play?

How much play is required?

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, play is essential for children’s well being and they suggest 90 min of play per day, preferably outdoors.

Outdoor playtime has been linked to less stress level and reduction of hyperactivity. Take a look at this article: “The American Academy of Pediatrics is telling doctors to prescribe play”.

How can you help your child discover the wonders of play?

  1. You can take your child outside and allow him/her to play outside. Sit back and allow your child to explore the outdoors. I have to be honest there were times I have had to teach my children how to play, but for the most part, playing is an intrinsic activity and with a bit of encouragement they will play on their own.
  2. Allow children to free play. Sometimes children will choose to play by themselves, others with friends, other times they will even ask you to join in (an adult), but remember free play is child initiated and child-directed. If the child invites you to play don’t try to control the situation, allow the child to direct the play. Sometimes, I am sitting on the couch and the kids will come and feed me “pretend food” or they will hand me a car so I can join them in the race. Let them play and engage with them in their imagination.
  3. Provide open-ended play materials such as sand, wood, water so kids can use in their play. When inside I love playdough and Legos.
  4. Find public parks that have playgrounds, take a book and let your kids play.

Now, guided play leads to guided discovery. So it is important to teach kids how to play if they are having a hard time.
Sometimes, we have to teach our kids how to interact with other kids or we have to teach them new games. Play is important.

Guys, we have a few resources for your here:

  • www.PlayWorks.com visit the website and go to resources and game library. There you will find tons of resources and new games to teach your child.
  • www.Kaboom.org here you can add your zip code and find a great playground near you.

Conclusion:

So, because I read the article I took my kids outside this summer and I just allowed them to play. We did trips that allowed them opportunities to just play..

As an adult sometimes I lose the wonder of play, but play is important it is highly important for development and important for us as adults as well. I read because that is how I discover the world around me but I sure can benefit from a little play in my life as well.

Dear friends, play and discover the wonders of the world around you!

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Remember Sophia James Education hopes to promote a healthy life through the Live Well Series, we hope that you learn a lot through the Learn Lots Series and that you travel the world through the Travel the World Series.
A fantastic story awaits you right around the corner.

Much love,

Raquel

Posted in Education, Home Literacy, Learn Lots and tagged , , , , , .

One Comment

  1. The 90 minutes of play is likely not achieved by most children. Thank you for including the resources. Great article!

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