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Parents-
Have you ever heard someone remark about
an early childhood program-even ours,
perhaps-”All the children do is play”?
At good early childhood programs there
is a lot of play-and there should be!
Years of
research on children’s learning and
development documents the many benefits
of play for children’s intellectual,
social, emotional, physical, and
language development. Children at play
are actively involved in creating
themes, exploring and establishing
environments, solving problems and
developing shared understanding.
Children play in many ways. They play
independently, sometimes near each other
but with each child engrossed in his own
activity. They engage in what is called
“parallel play,” perhaps using each
other’s toys and even talking but not
coordinating their play. They also play
cooperatively, organizing roles and
scenarios for group play. As they get
older, children are more capable of
cooperative, coordinated play. But all
kinds of play are valuable.
As kids play with each other, they learn
to see other children’s points of view
and begin to be more empathetic and
caring. They come to understand customs
and rules of their culture and
to appreciate those of others. They
learn to use language in new ways to
describe their play and to interact with
others. And in play, children develop
their muscles and coordination.
Adults support children’s play by
providing space, opportunity and
materials. We set up areas where
children can play without fear of
damaging furniture or injuring
themselves. We make sure that they have
the time to choose and to become engaged
in their own play activities. And when
we provide them with simple, interesting
materials-no newfangled, expensive
gadgets required-the children take it
from there.
Play is fun. But it is also serious
business that pays big dividends to it’s
eager young investors!
At the Weekday Program, we try to
encourage children’s play, exploration
and self-discovery whenever possible.
Often the most valuable part of our day
is spent in long blocks of free play
where children learn how to get along
with the people around them and
manipulate materials in an environment
that is just for them. We take it as
a compliment when you notice all the
play time we provide and eagerly
respond, “of course they play all
day-that’s what they are supposed to
do!”
Donna |
