Parent Place

Learning Through Play
Contributed by: Jennifer Hansen

Skills learned through play in the early childhood years create the foundation for successful students and lifelong learning.

When children play, they discover and make sense of their world and the people around them. Through play and hands-on learning, children are given the opportunity to observe their environment, ask questions, act on their curiosity, revise their knowledge of the world, and experience the joy of discovery.

Additionally through play, children develop problem solving skills, task persistence, and learn how to form and negotiate relationships. Children learn how to express themselves creatively and develop a stronger self-esteem as they learn to master their world.

What can you do to encourage play?

• Participate. By taking an active role and playing with your child, you show them what they are doing is important.
  


• Let your child be the leader and guide the play, allowing your child to practice their leadership skills and develop their self-concept.
  


• Provide uninterrupted periods of time to play. It takes time for children to get engaged and create their play ideas.
  


• Turn off the television, and remove distractions.
  


• Provide a safe environment that encourages exploration.
  


• Keep it simple. Toys do not need to be expensive or complicated to be educational. Sometimes the simpler or more unstructured the toy is the better. Unstructured toys include balls, building blocks, crayons, and sand/water toys.

For more information:
National Association for the Education of Young Children: http://www.naeyc.org/families/early_years
Playing for Keeps Organization http://www.childrensmuseums.org/programs/playingforkeeps.htm