The Value of Play

The most important activity for the first six years of life is play. Because that is how young kids learn everything!

Let’s look at what they learn:

MOTOR SKILLS

Fine motor skills are small arm and hand muscles. Children will gain the finger strength and coordination necessary to learn to write through craft activities including tracing, threading, cutting, and colouring.

Gross motor skills are the big muscles that allow us to stand, run, climb, kick, hop, and skip around while having fun. To improve posture, coordination, and the capacity to sit at a desk while also enjoying sports, we must learn to regulate big muscles.

COGNITIVE SKILLS

Memory and brain development, problem-solving, basic math concepts, learning to listen, and picking up new words and phrases and their definitions are all examples of cognitive skills learned through play.

SOCIAL BENEFITS

Play is a great way to practice and learn body language, and game rules, take turns, and resolve conflicts.

Try this read aloud book about social emotional learning: Grumpy Bird by Jeremy Tankard

EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

A significant advantage of play-based learning is emotional development. Having fun eases stress. It also helps in developing self-control, self-assurance, and a positive self-image.

Play with your children as much as you can. Let them be your guide in the choice of games.

As you can see from the examples above, it is a wonderful way to help your child grow their brain as well as a variety of skills.