The Value of Play

Parents often feel that their children are not learning anything when they are "just playing". However, this is part of your child's learning experience. There are lots of wonderful things learned when they are playing and here is a list of just a few:

When your child plays with blocks : She learns to use her imagination to create something from her own thinking. She has the satisfaction of being able to make something. She learns about sizes and shapes, weights and balances, height and depth, smoothness and roughness, and gravity. She learns to play with others.

When your child paints : He is more concerned with the process than with the finished product. He learns about colors and how he can use them. He learns to use his imagination and transfer his ideas to paper. He gets emotional satisfaction from being able to express himself and he feels pride in what he has created. He learns how to use small muscle coordination to handle a brush. He learns to make choices and decisions.

When your child plays on the outdoor equipment : She learns how to use her body effectively. She experiences joy in achieving a skill. She has fun and relaxation found in bodily movement. She learns safety and caution. She learns to take turns and share a piece of equipment.

When your child plays in the housekeeping center or other dramatic play : He learns the roles of others, such as mothers, fathers, postal workers, etc. He understands what it feels like to play at being somebody other than himself. He learns how to use his imagination. He learns how to cooperate with other children.

When your child makes a gift out of art items such as glue, paper and glitter : She learns about doing things for others. She learns how to use materials like scissors and glue. She learns how to use her imagination to make the kind of present she has in mind. She learns about shapes, sizes, colors and textures.

When your child plays in the sand . He finds it soothing to bury his hands in the sand and pour sand in and out of cups, buckets and other containers. He learns to center his attention on a task. He has an opportunity to play alone. He has an opportunity to learn about size, measurement, experience with measuring spoons and cups.

When your child works with puzzles : She has an opportunity to work alone or together with other children. She gains satisfaction in completing a puzzle and builds her self-confidence. She improves her hand-eye coordination.

When your child listens to stories or looks at books : He learns to listen. He increases his vocabulary by hearing new words read to him. He learns about different concepts, people and places. He learns to enjoy books and reading. He uses his imagination to "read" the book out loud. His mind is stimulated, visualizing the things he is hearing about.

When your child cooks : She learns to follow directions. She stimulates all five senses. She learns to recognize colors and shapes from different kinds of foods and kitchen utensils. She has an opportunity to use different tools and equipment to improve small muscle coordination. She feels a sense of satisfaction in helping create something. She is more willing to try new things when she helps prepare them.

When your child listens to music, sings or dances : He learns to appreciate music from different countries, cultures and time periods. He learns to express himself and his ideas. He increases his vocabulary. He participates in a physical activity that is fun.

This list could go on and on... and don't forget the one thing the children get out of any kind of play - FUN!