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Below is a resource from Pathways.org that goes over the importance of play and the different types of play that is important for development.
Play: Know the Basics
Why does play matter?
Helps children learn about themselves and the world around them
Allows them to explore different interests and passions
Encourages interactions, sharing, and socialization to help develop social-emotional skills
Develops important life skills
What is play?
Play is “any spontaneous or organized activity that provides enjoyment, entertainment, amusement or diversion.” In simpler terms, it’s a time when we are:
Having fun
Being creative and spontaneous
Creating original ideas and acting on them
Engaged and concentrated
When does baby begin to play?
Baby can play at any age! Play is a great way to promote motor, sensory,communication and social-emotional development—so it can start as soon as baby comes home. Of course, play will look different as they age, but here’s a look at early play with baby.
As your little one becomes a toddler, they begin to bring more communication and interaction into their play. As their communication skills get better, they will be able to follow directions while they play games. They will also use their motor skills to do more physical activities and play with toys, which helps with learning important social skills like sharing.
How often should my child play?
Think of play as a prescription from a doctor. It’s something they need every day and should be a balance of structured and unstructured play.
Structured play requires a child to follow directions or rules, and is guided by an adult. This could include board games, puzzles, and organized classes like dance or art, or team sports like soccer.
Unstructured play allows for children to do whatever interests them, without as many directions or guides. Playing on the jungle gym, playing dress up, and exploring the outdoors are all examples of unstructured play. The possibilities are endless!
Toddlers should spend at least one hour a day in free, unstructured play, and at least thirty minutes engaged in active, adult-led, structured play. Older children need even more time to play each day.
What skills does play develop?
Knowing what to do when no one is directing you
Problem solving
Creativity and imagination
Interacting with others and negotiating
Resilience
Flexibility and adaptability
Willingness to take risks and try new things
Processing emotions
Understanding social situations
Discovering interests
Building confidence
The Do's and Don'ts of Play
During playtime, do:
Let your child direct their play
Play with your child in different ways
Ask your child questions
Encourage playing with others
Be silly!
Get outside
During playtime, don't:
Overly direct your child's play
Let your child over-direct
Let phone or other screens distract
Force activities on your kids
Article created by:
The importance of play for Development: Free Resources. Pathways.org. (2022, May 26). Retrieved from https://pathways.org/topics-of-development/play/