We say things are ‘as easy as child’s play’ but is play that simple? Play may seem like a casual activity that fills a child’s day with fun and entertainment. However, it is a vital component of early childhood development, offering a powerful tool for learning and growth.
This blog delves into the benefits of play and how it helps our children flourish and develop holistically. Written by our guest blogger, Ann, an ex-teacher turned children’s author and Chaos Coordinator.
The benefits of play include:
- Cognitive Development:
Play stimulates brain development and enhances cognitive abilities. As children engage in imaginative play, they exercise their problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and decision-making abilities. They experiment with cause and effect, connect ideas, and develop creative solutions to challenges.
- Social and Emotional Development:
Through play, children learn to interact with others, build relationships, and develop empathy. They learn to cooperate, share, and take turns, fostering social skills and emotional intelligence. Play also provides opportunities for self-expression, helping children manage their emotions and develop a strong sense of self.
- Physical Development:
Play encourages physical activity, promoting gross and fine motor skills. Children develop coordination, balance, and strength as they engage in various physical activities. They learn to control their bodies, develop spatial awareness, and gain confidence in their physical abilities.
- Language Development:
Play provides a natural context for language development. Children engage in conversations, narrate their play experiences, and expand their vocabulary. They learn to use language effectively to communicate, express their needs, and build relationships.
- Creativity and Imagination:
Play ignites creativity and imagination, allowing children to explore new ideas and possibilities. They engage in pretend play, role-playing, and storytelling, fostering their ability to think outside the box and generate innovative ideas.
Play is not merely a pastime; it’s a powerful tool for learning and development. As parents and caregivers, we can empower children to explore, experiment, and make sense of the world around them, laying the foundation for lifelong learning, success, and well-being all through play.
Ann
For more helpful tips and advice on play and learning, including insight on supporting children with additional needs please follow Ann on Instagram or join her Facebook community, Chaos Coordinators’ Coffee Break, where she does weekly lives and posts daily content on SEND, play and learning, and life as a mum.
Meet Ann
Ann is a published children's picture book author and an independent Autism consultant. With nearly 20 years in the classroom as a teacher in both mainstream and SEND settings. Ann has plenty of experience to draw from when creating activities and advising on supporting your child in school and at home.
In addition to her classroom-based work, she has been a certified TEACCH Advanced Consultant and Autism Advisory Teacher. Ann left teaching to support her parents. During this time she continued with fellow Autism consultants delivering best practice training to education and health professionals across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire.
At the same time, Ann decided to make a childhood dream come true and became a published author. So far creating 2 colourful under-the-sea adventures with characters she developed with her son. Ann chose picture books as she believes in their importance for developing a child's joy of reading.
Drawing on her years of teaching experience and being a mother of two, Ann wishes to enable others to support their children in the vital foundation years of learning and education through play and fun