Play isn’t merely a fun pastime for children; play skills are essential to their development. Whether stacking blocks, solving puzzles, or inventing fantastical scenarios, play sharpens those little problem-solving skills, ignites language development, and fuels creativity! Climbing trees, playing hopscotch, and finger painting all build strong motor skills, but don’t forget about those social skills! Tea parties, make-believe action adventures, and the excitement of shouting “Uno!” help kiddos flourish socially. According to child psychologist Jean Piaget (1962), play is integral to a child’s cognitive development, and as children mature, their environment and play should encourage further cognitive and language development.
Here are some tips to keep your child engaged during play time together:
1. Follow their lead! Notice what captures their attention and engage them around their interests.
2. Build interactions around their favorite characters, toys, or activities. Whether it’s dinosaurs or the alphabet, join in on their idea of fun!
3. Encourage their curiosity by providing opportunities for interaction with new and surprising objects.
4. Don’t be afraid to get silly! Have you ever roared like a lion or jumped around like a kangaroo while getting ready for lunch? If not, try it!
5. Remember, this is a learning experience! Let them make mistakes or explore toys or other items in a different way.
Play is a POWERFUL tool; it’s the gateway to learning, creativity, and engagement.
References
Piaget, J. (2013). Play, dreams and imitation in childhood. Routledge.