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2009, Issue 1 - Autumn 2009
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.
Our children can learn so much through play. Play is a vital part of life for all children. It is much more than filling in the endless hours of childhood.
Children are developing many skills when they play including:- 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 dress-ups.
- Social skills when they take turns or decide together what games to play.
Have fun playing with your child and encouraging them to play with other children. This is critical to their overall development and
progress. Play is the work of children, it is how they learn.
Updated: 22 May 2009
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