New Family Connections Newsletter Pictures
2007, Issues 1
Educating, Connecting and Supporting families in Monash
Lets Play to Learn
Geraldine Ryan
There are so many structured activities that we can involve our children in.
With so much marketing about the benefits of these activities, we can mistakenly think they are the only path to the best possible developmental and educational outcomes for our children.
However one of the most important things for us to understand about young children is that they learn best through play. The benefits of play are many and diverse. Play is very motivating to a child, it encourages him/her to try new things and take risks.
It allows for free choice and spontaneity. It doesn't matter how stable the tower block is, or how good the painting is, the essence of play is the process, allowing a child to go with the flow. It is important to remember not to focus too much on the end product.
- Language skills when they play name games or sing songs.
- Thinking skills when they construct a block tower follow directions to a game, and figure out pieces to a puzzle.
- Small-muscle skills when they string beads, play with play dough and cut with scissors.
- Large-muscle skills when they play with a ball, play chasing games, climb on play ground equipment or ride a tricycle.
- Creative skills when they make up stories and play with dressups.
- Social skills when they take turns or decide together what games to play.
Updated: 26 April 2007
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