Play is a necessity for child development.
All mammals play. Why? Play is the tool used to gain skills and confidence in all areas of development such as; social, emotional, gross and fine motor skills, speech, language, problem solving, planning and sequencing.
Lifestyle changes over the past 30 years have resulted in a significant decrease in playtime for children, especially free play. Some examples of these changes are; increased job demands for parents, excessive media and screen time for children, demands for academic performance as early as three years old, and reduced recess and PE for students. Play has been pushed aside, however play is crucial for child development.
Play starts very early in a child's development. When your baby starts to smile and you smile back, you are engaging in play. Play presents and evolves in many different ways. Play provides opportunities for development, bonding, learning of social skills and problem solving which builds self importance, self esteem and increased academic performance.
0-3 Months; Unoccupied play
The infant is moving without any apparent purpose, this is the initial form of play.
3-18 Months; Solitary play
Children are very busy playing by themselves and do not really notice other children or people. They are involved in exploring their world through watching, grabbing and rattling objects.
Toddler years; Onlooker play
The child watches other children play. The learns how to relate to others. There is no effort to join other children in their play
18-36 Months; Parallel play
Children play alongside each other with limited interaction. This form of play provides opportunities for role playing, pretending, and gives the understanding of property right ("mine").
3-4 Years; Emerging social play
Children become more interested in other children rather than toys. They learn the rules of getting along, sharing toys, problem solving and cooperation.
4 Years and up; Social play
Children are starting to share toys, ideas are shared. They learn social rules such as give and take, and taking turns. Development of moral reasoning and sense of value starts to develop.
Another way to categorize play is by the type of play. Play can be structured such as certain toys or activities that may be available, the location where the child plays ie. the pool vs a playground or an apartment. At a later age sports may become a part of the child's play repertoire. Play can also be unstructured and free. This type of play allows for more freedom to express creativity and ideas and provides more opportunities for trial and error. Free play in my opinion sets the child up to become more self reliant, determined with a larger skill set.
Finally I will describe what skills different types of play primarily develop, keeping in mind that all play at some level works to improve the child's overall development.
Motor-Physical play
This active form of play allows a child to move developing strength, balance and coordination. Some examples might be running around, climbing, going for a hike or playground, ball activities and tag games.
Constructive play
The word already eludes to it, in this form of play something is build, this could be drawing, building Lego's , blocks or sandcastles. This type of play allows for trial and error opportunities but more important it builds confidence and pride when accomplishing a task which carries them through life.
Expressive play
During expressive play the child is able to express themselves whether it is in the artistic sense or emotional. This could be imaginative play but also singing, playing an instrument or making a painting. It is important for children to know their feelings an that it is OK to have feelings and how to express them in a healthy manner.
Lifestyle changes over the past 30 years have resulted in a significant decrease in playtime for children, especially free play. Some examples of these changes are; increased job demands for parents, excessive media and screen time for children, demands for academic performance as early as three years old, and reduced recess and PE for students. Play has been pushed aside, however play is crucial for child development.
Play starts very early in a child's development. When your baby starts to smile and you smile back, you are engaging in play. Play presents and evolves in many different ways. Play provides opportunities for development, bonding, learning of social skills and problem solving which builds self importance, self esteem and increased academic performance.
Development of Play:
0-3 Months; Unoccupied play
The infant is moving without any apparent purpose, this is the initial form of play.
3-18 Months; Solitary play
Children are very busy playing by themselves and do not really notice other children or people. They are involved in exploring their world through watching, grabbing and rattling objects.
Toddler years; Onlooker play
The child watches other children play. The learns how to relate to others. There is no effort to join other children in their play
18-36 Months; Parallel play
Children play alongside each other with limited interaction. This form of play provides opportunities for role playing, pretending, and gives the understanding of property right ("mine").
3-4 Years; Emerging social play
Children become more interested in other children rather than toys. They learn the rules of getting along, sharing toys, problem solving and cooperation.
4 Years and up; Social play
Children are starting to share toys, ideas are shared. They learn social rules such as give and take, and taking turns. Development of moral reasoning and sense of value starts to develop.
Another way to categorize play is by the type of play. Play can be structured such as certain toys or activities that may be available, the location where the child plays ie. the pool vs a playground or an apartment. At a later age sports may become a part of the child's play repertoire. Play can also be unstructured and free. This type of play allows for more freedom to express creativity and ideas and provides more opportunities for trial and error. Free play in my opinion sets the child up to become more self reliant, determined with a larger skill set.
Finally I will describe what skills different types of play primarily develop, keeping in mind that all play at some level works to improve the child's overall development.
Motor-Physical play
This active form of play allows a child to move developing strength, balance and coordination. Some examples might be running around, climbing, going for a hike or playground, ball activities and tag games.
Constructive play
The word already eludes to it, in this form of play something is build, this could be drawing, building Lego's , blocks or sandcastles. This type of play allows for trial and error opportunities but more important it builds confidence and pride when accomplishing a task which carries them through life.
Expressive play
During expressive play the child is able to express themselves whether it is in the artistic sense or emotional. This could be imaginative play but also singing, playing an instrument or making a painting. It is important for children to know their feelings an that it is OK to have feelings and how to express them in a healthy manner.
Studies have shown that families who play together are more cooperative, supportive and have better communication. The greatest gift you can give your child is your time to play with them .
Just have some fun.
Interessant artikel, Els. Leuk om te lezen!
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