Benefits of Play
Recent advances in brain research show that early experiences profoundly impact
the development of the brain. Play is a vital part of these early experiences.
Not only fun, play is the way children learn about their world and practice to
take their place in it. Through play in a safe environment, children can experience
success, try on different roles, practice being in charge of their own activities
and interact with others.
Benefits of Play
- Gives children a sense of power and control.
- Promotes imagination.
- Allows for investigation and repetition.
- Promotes longer attention spans.
- Encourages deeper interests.
- Decreases stress.
- Is a voluntary activity.
- Allows children to practice different roles.
- Encourages language building.
- It's fun!
Tips for Playing With Your Child:
- Enjoy “together time” free of chores. Focus on your child.
- Be attentive. Maintain good eye contact and get down on the child's level.
- Listen first, reflect and then respond.
- Model communication skills.
- Communicate thoughts and feelings sincerely. Children can sense insincerity.
- Encourage your child to express opinions while you play. Be sure to listen and
value what he says.
- Let the child lead.
- Don't make comparisons with other siblings or friends. Compare only to what he
did last time, if you are going to compare at all.
- Focus more on what you are doing and less on how well he is doing it.
Make memories. Record funny moments or big accomplishments.
Play Materials Should:
- Be safe and age-appropriate.
- Be appropriate for a variety of uses.
- Be flexible enough to use for continually-developing minds and bodies.
- Provide opportunities to develop fine motor skills.
- Encourage language.
- Support activities to develop a positive sense of mastery.
- Support activities to learn cooperation, helping and sharing.
- Provide opportunities for problem solving.
- Remember that work for a child is really his play.
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