The Power of Play

The Power of Play

The Power of Play! Play is often thought of as inconsequential, not important or a way for children to be entertained with toys. Children should just know how to play. Did you play as a child? Did your parent or caregiver play with you or alongside you? How did you learn to play or not to play? There are many people who do not know how to play. This may be shocking to some, however for many people, they did not have the luxury of playtime with or without a parent. I remember my own parents did not often play with us. However, I do remember my Mum diligently reading a story to us each night before bed (she did not read for enjoyment herself!) She would set up play times for us however did not join in. These were the times when parents did the caring and providing for however did not ‘play with’ their children unless it was cards or board games or of course sport! I do remember as I write that Mum would colour in with us at times on a rainy day!

Keeping children busy

It’s a way of keeping them busy and allows us as parents and adults to do other tasks like caring, household chores and cooking which never seem to end! However, play is and can be a powerful tool and skill!

Why do we need to play?

I wonder if you can consider the possibility that play is a way of understanding and interpreting the world, it has purpose and meaning and is in fact vital for children to learn like any other skill. Play is most definitely a skill and encompasses many facets of learning. Some of these include; imaginative or dramatic play, constructive play, fine and gross motor play, creative play, cognitive play to name a few.

The Power of Play
Playing a structured game together like connect four helps children learn about turn taking, waiting their turn and winning and losing
practicing through play makes perfect
Repetition and practice of learning a new skill helps build competence another benefit of play!

Early Childhood and learning new skills

Early childhood settings utilise these facets and areas of play to set up play spaces for learning for children. Play is hard work and requires children to build connections in their brain as they work out how to play with a particular toy or equipment or game. Or how to play with or alongside others. Often times you will notice that your child plays with the same toys in the same way until that time that it changes. These repetitions are laying down pathways for them to remember so they can build up their knowledge. Once they have repeated the action several times they make the connection that the end result is always going to be the same given the same action with the same toy. A scientific exploration! It is much like when an adult is learning a new task or how to do something, we need to try and keep on trying, persisting until we get that awesome feeling of success, ‘I did it!’! Children go through the same process during play. Toys are their tools for learning. They do not have to be expensive or many. Plus there are many toy libraries out there to borrow from that support families with accessing toys to support their children’s learning!

Why do babies need to play?

Think of when a baby is sitting in a high chair and they drop something, the first time it is likely accidental. They look down and see it is on the floor, usually we pick it up and give it back to them. They drop it again. So, it continues until we stop picking it up. The repetition is laying down the neural pathway in their brain. If I drop it, it stays on the floor as I cannot reach it, unless a grown up picks it up for me. These little experiments that children come across in everyday life are important for their learning. Add in the language that accompanies this action and it is a powerful learning experience. Words that might be used: “You dropped it, here it is, here you go, I picked it up, it’s on the floor, wait a moment and I will pick it up, what happened? Where is it? Look!”

Babies learn through playing with their parent and repetition
Toy library Murray Bridge

Setting up play times and places

While your little one is napping or busy playing elsewhere; try setting up a play space much like this one using what you may have at home (with no screens on as these can be distracting for everyone):

Setting up play times nd having space to move is important

When you notice them come into the room, sit on the couch and invite them to explore or watch your child and see how they respond. Let them lead the play and offer your open hand if they want you to take something from them. As the play continues you may find they will direct you to do certain things or act a certain way depending on their age and development. Try and play like this three times a week, for just 20 minutes; notice what happens. I would love to hear any feedback about your ‘playtime’.

We have a number of informative series on children’s learning available to access. Please visit our learn page to find out more and book in!

The wonder, power and right of play is so important Early Childhood Australia has written a statement on play! It is a powerful tool for connection, exploration, inspiration and learning. Allow your inner child to come out and play with your child for a little while, and explore the wonder it can bring.

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