Expert Advice
Dr Amanda Gummer Says...
Dr. Amanda Gummer has dedicated her life to working with children and families in a variety of settings since 1993. As well as running a family support charity in London and teaching children...
Why is play important?
In the past, little thought was given to the importance of play and how it contributed to the developing child, so it is natural that some parents see it as simply a fun activity, a reward, or even a waste of time.
However, the government, teachers and Ofsted have all quickly realised that play helps children learn. Incorporating fun themes to children’s learning makes the experience more memorable and also less daunting so they will be more likely to do it again – bingo, they’re learning!
Parents, think about your own childhood… Did sitting writing under the instruction of a teacher help you prepare for adulthood, or was it the real-life experiences where they developed new skills and understanding?
Did reading a parenting book prepare you for changing their child’s nappy perfectly, or was it through the trial and error of practical application?
There is a difference between helping a child to learn and pushing a child to learn. Books such as “Einstein Never Used Flash Cards…” explain how children who are pressured early on do not fare any better than children who are allowed to take their time.
The advice is simple: children learn best through simple playtime which enhances problem solving skills, attention span, social development and creativity.
When it comes to play, what’s most important are the social skills children learn. Relationships are the bedrock of society and children who play develop mutually rewarding relationships learn to compromise, communicate and negotiate, all of which give them much better outlooks for future careers and mental health.
The mistake that many people make is to believe that because you don’t always know what the child is going to learn through play, they’re not learning anything.
Even the most frivolous activity is beneficial for children as it helps them understand themselves better – learning what makes you happy and what makes you laugh helps children cope with challenges and acts as a buffer against mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
So remember – play is vital to a child’s healthy development and not just something to be done as a reward or an afterthought!
Post Your Comment
comments powered by Disqus