Summertime, Playtime

Summertime, Playtime

by: Leah Shafer

Play comes in many different forms. There is social play, which is playing with others. Independent play is playing alone, such as telling stories. And guided play which is playing context or guidance by a storyline. Play does not necessarily mean the activity has to be all games, as long as the mindset and environment is playful, any activity can be fun and enjoyable to a child. Play is important to the development of a child. Through play a child will develop intellectually, including function skills, content knowledge, creative thinking, enrich their vocabulary and writing, and build problem solving and mathematical skills. Play also helps develop social skills such as learning social cues, listening, taking another child's perspective, negotiating and compromising. Playing also helps with emotional development through social and guided play, self regulation, dealing with anticipation or frustration, and deciding when to follow or lead. Play also has a huge role in a child's physical development by developing strength, muscle control, coordination, reflexes, and motivating them to take more risks under other circumstances. Playful learning is revealed through a child who makes choices, wonders, and of course shows delight. But under an overworked schedule its important for parents to find time for kids to play and have time to play with them as well. Modelling play and playing together with your kids is really important for the development of a child. They will learn leadership, resilience, and self sufficiency.

Shafer, L. (2018, June 12). Summertime, Playtime. Retrieved November 25, 2019, from https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/uk/18/06/summertime-playtime.