Turns out that children need play to learn!

Play is children’s work!

It is also the way children learn, experiment and experience their world.

Play is pivotal in your child’s physical, emotional, cognitive and social development – there are so many skills that are effortlessly acquired.

During play your child has an opportunity to solve problems, think and reflect, plan and investigate, develop memory and language skills, and also learn how to concentrate on the task/play at hand.

What does play look like? • spontaneous and self-motivated – it can and change direction on a whim

• imaginative but feels real to the child – imaginary friends and situations are important

• free from rules and restrictions – there are very few boundaries; play is fluid

• focused on the “doing” the process, rather than on the product – the outcome

• is just plain fun – the smiles and laughter prove that!

How can you help your child play and learn? Be in the moment as you relax and have fun together. The learning happens all on its own as you interact, discuss the situation and make plans and adjustments together!

Play is a great way to build your relationship and happy memories….

Next week we will describe kinds of play and the various stages of play your child should be enjoying