Why play is important

Play is the foundation for learning and growth.

It is considered so important for a child’s development.

Play reflects what a child already knows, has observed and can do.

Play provides the context to build and extend on knowledge, skills and understanding in a way that will only make sense to them as they make sense of the world.

Children engage in activities and experiences that are play based or guided by play. Play is the fundamental need required for overall growth and development of a child.

Play allows children to express themselves.

Through play they can express their feelings and emotions, and work through their conflicts and make sense of the world around them.

Play is necessary for a child to learn. Learning is remembering and understanding.

Learning occurs as a child makes sense of their experiences.

A children’s play may or may not involve equipment or have an end product. Play may be boisterous, energetic, quiet, contemplative, light-hearted or very serious.

Play behaviours develop in several stages.

The quality of spontaneous play is linked to development. Exposing children to endless opportunities and as an adult extending on them as required without overtaking them is critical.

Many theorists have argued the importance of play.

Freud believed play provides children with an avenue for fulfillment and a way to master traumatic events as they are able to act out their emotions.

Erikson believed that the function of play is to allow them to master and express themselves.

Piaget looked at play and believed it was an activity that encouraged their cognitive development and allowed them to exercise their cognitive skills and abilities.

• Play must be self chosen and self directed.
• Play should be voluntary.
• Play should be meaningful to the participants.
• Play should be fun.
• Play should be spontaneous, flexible, creative.
• Play offers the ability for children to explore in a low risk environment.

Children’s intrinsic motivation to play, whatever the social context or available materials.

Play should be the driving factor in understanding the meaning of play from a child’s perspective. Play is the basis for continuing to offer quality play opportunities.

Children enjoy play.

There is no “right way” or “wrong way” to play. A child can use their imagination to develop games and interact with each other without being in an adult-led environment.

Supporting play is key. A child who has not had the opportunity to engage in meaningful play often lags behind.

They may exhibit behaviours or appear to be delayed in development and this can often be attributed to a lack of play experiences.

A child may display:

• Underdeveloped skills, particularly gross and fine motor skills.
• The inability or issues with self-regulation.
• Lower oral vocabulary.
• Poor coordination or balance.
• Emotional immaturity.
• Difficulties with playing and interacting with other children.

A child who has limited opportunities to play generally has a negative impact on their development.

So what can we do to support a child and play?

• First and foremost, and most importantly we can encourage free play. Free play is the ability for the child to play in an unregulated, unstructured environment with no motive other than to play and explore.
• They need the opportunity to explore, experiment, figure things out for themselves.
• Providing open ended opportunities and resources stimulates and supports play. It requires a child to think and use items differently depending on the play at hand. The purpose of the object or material only becomes evident when it is in the hand of the child. For example, a stick may be a wand or it may be a walking stick or a flag pole or a stirrer and so on.
• Joining in and being led by the child can extend their play experience. It also offers the chance to model skills such as reasoning, appropriate language, and positive behaviours.
• Providing unhurried opportunities to play.
• Ensure it is voluntary and pleasurable.
• Provide open ended, unscheduled opportunities to explore and play.