Play And Children’s Learning – Why Is It So Important?
All children love playing with toys, and the great news is that toys aren’t just for play, they also help kids learn about the world around them. Play is a very significant part of your child’s development and growth. When they play, kids learn to solve problems, interact with others, and develop their gross and fine motor skills. Toys that encourage pretend play, such as a doctor’s kit, helps kids develop lots of different skills in all developmental domains, including physical, gross and fine motor, language, social skills, and cognitive development. When playing games like hospital or shop, kids interact with each other and solve problems, while they are also learning about colors, numbers, shapes, and sizes in a fun and very natural way. They improve their memory and ability to pay attention. They also learn to negotiate, cooperate, take turns, and play by the rules. Practicing these skills in early childhood helps children learn how to behave as part of society.
The role of parents in play
The first and best playmates for kids are their parents, and kids at the earliest stages of life adore playing with mom and dad. Kids show more creativity when their parents participate in the game. When adults play alongside their children rather than just giving them toys and watching them play, the play is better, because it involves a social aspect. Of course there are some parents who think they can’t demonstrate childish behavior anymore, but the truth is that anyone can play. You can join your child’s game to practice a bit, or start by observing, watching him play and learning what problems he has, as well as learning his favorite activities. Next, try following: join your child’s play so that he can see your interest in his activity. Don’t be afraid to be creative. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that there is just one way of playing with a toy, use them in lots of ways and make your child’s play even more fun.
What toys can be appropriate for your kids?
You have to take into account your child’s age, interests, and abilities. Children are different and enjoy different kinds of play. Toys for infants up to 1 year old include stacking, musical, and squeeze toys, as well as teething toys. Toys for toddlers ages 1-3 may include push and pull and ride-on toys, small wagons, simple puzzles and shape sorters, picture books, crayons, markers, and clay. Preschool children up to 5 years old can play with dress-up accessories and puppets, storybooks, and puzzles containing no more than 24 pieces. At school age, kids enjoy sports equipment, bicycles and helmets, roller skates, books, craft kits, coordination and memory games, and construction sets.