"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But, for children, play
is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood." I remember growing up myself with my siblings and my parents would make us go outside and play. Allllllllll day. The days were slow, the seasons would change, but we were out there playing together, fighting together, making up games along the way. We most likely did not have the newest, most expensive gadgets of that time but we didn't need it. What couldn't you do with a stick, some rocks and a pile of snow? Whether you have the most expensive line of toys, hand-me-downs or you only have nature to work with the possibilities of play are endless.
Kids especially love pretend play! Young children learn by imagining and doing. They might use an object to represent something else while giving it action and motion. They might imitate being someone else such as a parent, a teacher or a fireman. They might transform a cardboard box into a castle standing guard as a knight protecting the queen. There are infinite examples because all children are unique and innovative. They see materials and the world around them in a curious, wonder like way. In addition to fostering creativity and interests, here are other essential skills your child is developing.
Language- pretend play helps your child learn the power of words. You might hear some words and phrases you never thought they knew! In addition to developing their own bank of vocabulary, children will begin to make the connection between spoken and written language- a skill that will later help him/her to read.
Cognitive Skills- pretend play provides an opportunity for your child to draw on their background knowledge to solve problems, make decisions, modify decisions and transfer their understanding of the world into new situations.
Social Skills- pretend play allows children to actively experiment with social and emotional roles of life. It is developmentally appropriate for children to see the world from their own egocentric point of view however play supports him/her to begin to develop empathy, a skill that will last them a lifetime. Other important skills are cooperation, self esteem, problem solving, turn taking, and responsibility.
Click on the following link to see how one father has captured creativity, imagination and technology with his toddler in a genius way!
So what are you waiting for?!?! Get playing!!
