Adults often think that play is a waste of time or has no meaning. Often it is seen as something that keeps children busy and out of the way. This perception or view is far from the true meaning and value of play. Play contributes to many aspects of a child’s development.
When a child engages in play with another person or a group, he/she has to communicate and share thoughts and ideas with them. This in turn assists the child to develop his/her communication and language skills.
Play allows children to problem-solve and experiment with objects in their environment. When children are playing, they usually get quite absorbed in what they are doing. It requires them to focus fully on what they are doing. This helps them to concentrate, remain focused and reason. They sometimes encounter problems and they have to organize their thinking in order to continue. This helps to develop their problem solving skills which is an absolutely crucial skill to have as they get older.
As a child progresses through various stages , he/she will start engaging in social play. This requires the child to take turns, to share, to co-operate. Children learn that they are not playing alone, so there is some give and take that takes place. During social play certain situations occur that also reveals a child’s personality strengths and weaknesses.
Play times also provides an opportunity for a child to express his/her emotions. It can be an important way for a child to develop a positive self image. In group play there can be leaders and followers and this is also an ideal opportunity for a follower to test his/her leadership skills. Playtime must be a pleasurable time that allows a child to relax.
There are different types of play. When a child engages in play that is more physical , it also helps them to get rid of excess energy. Tension can be relieved through movement. It helps to exercise muscles and can develop better co-ordination skills.
Children learn through play. Try to create as many opportunities as possible to allow them to do so.
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