We intuitively know that play is important to children, but despite its many benefits, we rarely associate play with learning. We tend to believe that
playing is just for fun and does not involve real learning. However, according to studies, playing is learning and children learn by playing. The
importance of play in early childhood cannot be underestimated because play is essential to a child's development.
9 Benefits of Play:
1. PLAY STIMULATES THE EARLY DEVELOPMENT OF THE BRAIN
Play can promote a child's brain development in many ways, including providing life experiences crucial to laying the foundation for brain growth.
2. PLAY IMPROVES INTELLIGENCE
Early play has also been found to be associated with superior intelligence later in life.
3. PLAY CAUSES CREATIVE THINKING
Perhaps the most obvious benefit of playing is that it increases a child's creativity. Many studies have found that gaming is highly associated with
divergent thinking.
4. PLAY IMPROVES COMMUNICATION, VOCABULARY AND LANGUAGE
The link between early game and later communication skills is also evident. Studies show that if we talk to children about what they see and what they
do, they will have better language skills.
[Photo: MarvelMozhko/Pixabay]
5. PLAY PROMOTES THE CONTROL OF IMPULSES AND THE REGULATION OF EMOTIONS
Self-regulation is one of the most essential skills for school readiness. Well-regulated children can wait a turn, resist the temptation to grab objects
from other children, control negative emotions, and persist through challenging activities.
6. PLAY INCREASES SOCIAL COMPETENCE AND EMPATHY
Play is crucial to improve the social development of children. While playing, the act of pretending as well as negotiating with peers improves children's
social skills. Play also offers children opportunities to learn to interact socially. While playing together, children learn to cooperate, follow rules, develop
self-control, and generally get along with other people.
7. PLAY IMPROVES PHYSICAL AND MENTAL HEALTH
We already know that play promotes the regulation of emotions, which is vital for a child's endurance and mental health. Games that involve physical
activities promote motor skills, strength and endurance, which benefits physical health.
8. PLAY TEACHES LESSONS OF LIFE
Play helps children develop problem-solving skills. When children act out life problems when they play, it helps them cope with struggles in their own
way. They learn to take on different perspectives, which will help them even more in thinking.
9. PLAY STRENGTHENS RELATIONSHIPS
Parents who play with their children form a stronger bond with them. These interactions provide positive life experiences that stimulate children's
brain development. Happy times are some of the most precious gifts we can give our children.