This entry, all about how children learn through play, is brought to you by Gladys Lazurek, Director of Derby Day Care Center and co-chair of the Valley Directors Network.
I have heard parents say to me, “All they do is play.” What they don’t realize is that a child’s work is play. Children learn through play.
For example, a group of children were playing in the block area one day with the hollow blocks. They arranged a number of blocks on the floor at random and then proceeded to stack them. The children figured out that the longer block would not stay put on top of the shorter one unless they put another block under it. Someone suggested they build “a carnival”. Within minutes they were walking on the blocks, “doing tricks”. Then the blocks became transformed into a “motorcycle”. Two children got on to take a ride. Another child wanted to ride. They decided to take turns. They pretended to go to the store. Someone ran to get a piece of paper and a pencil to write a grocery list. As you can see, the children were learning a number of skills.
Through using blocks children:
- learn math concepts such as the number of blocks that fill a certain space.
- compare the height of their buildings and learn about geometric shapes (triangles, squares, and rectangles).
- explore weight and size.
- make decisions about how to build a structure or solve a construction problem.
- work together and learn to cooperate and make friends.
- develop language.
When children make believe they:
- develop a good vocabulary.
- learn to cooperate with others and solve problems
- are able to think abstractly. For example, to play doctor, the child needs to remember what tools the doctor uses, how the doctor examines the patient, and what a doctor says.
When children use toys and games such as puzzles or lego, they:
- explore how things work
- learn to be creative and use their imaginations
- strengthen and control the small muscles in their hands
- work cooperatively and solve problems
- learn math ideas and concepts.
Enjoy your child, allow them to experiment and play. Ask them questions that cause them to think. Toys don’t have to cost a lot; many things you already have in your house are good tools for learning. For example, boxes make good blocks. Collections of things such as buttons, shells, and rocks can be used to sort or to make things. Old clothes, food cartons, and homemade play money are good for pretend play.
When you play with your child you are investing in the future.
The next time you think that “All they do is play,” remember that when children are playing they are learning.