Free play is the way children learn about themselves and their relationship with the environment.It provides a low stress, self-paced environment in which the child can practice new skills, take risks, express themselves and explore creativity, independence, curiosity and problem solving.It is a way that children make sense of the world through meaningful interaction.For a child, play is about overcoming challenges and learning fun, new ways of doing things.From an adults perspective it is also a means of developing and practicing skills that will be needed later in life, such as social behaviours, motor skills and cognitive capacities.Characteristics of Play 1.Intrinsic motivation/ Internal Drive We can recognize when a child is engaged in play when he/she is paying more attention to the process rather than the product of play.For example, a child will feel no qualms over crushing an elaborate sandcastle he/she just made.This is because the making of the sandcastle has a much higher value over the finished product.The childs' internal drive, or intrinsic motivation to make the sandcastle is a characteristic of play.2.Internal Control There are many aspects in a childs' life in which he/she has little to no control, such as where to live, what to eat and who to spend time with.Play is a unique situation because it allows the child to exert some control over the activity.To continue with the sandcastle example, when a child is at play, he/she can make the important decisions such as choosing to create a moat or add a flag.The child also has the capability of following through with the play-related decisions.So the child is able to make some changes to an activity; and this feeling of internal control (of being in charge) continues to develop throughout the lifespan.3.Freedom to suspend reality Being an agent of change in play is important because it then feels like a worthwhile experience for the child.So the child devotes intense focus and attention on the play activity.During this process of concentration on play, the child becomes relatively oblivious to the external structures around him/her.The advantages of play to childrens' development is significant.For this reason, many health professionals such as occupational therapists, play therapists and psychologists use play as a therapeutic tool.Check out our other articles on how the various health professionals utilise play to foster development in children.
Friday, June 22, 2012
Why Play Is Important For Children
Free play is the way children learn about themselves and their relationship with the environment.It provides a low stress, self-paced environment in which the child can practice new skills, take risks, express themselves and explore creativity, independence, curiosity and problem solving.It is a way that children make sense of the world through meaningful interaction.For a child, play is about overcoming challenges and learning fun, new ways of doing things.From an adults perspective it is also a means of developing and practicing skills that will be needed later in life, such as social behaviours, motor skills and cognitive capacities.Characteristics of Play 1.Intrinsic motivation/ Internal Drive We can recognize when a child is engaged in play when he/she is paying more attention to the process rather than the product of play.For example, a child will feel no qualms over crushing an elaborate sandcastle he/she just made.This is because the making of the sandcastle has a much higher value over the finished product.The childs' internal drive, or intrinsic motivation to make the sandcastle is a characteristic of play.2.Internal Control There are many aspects in a childs' life in which he/she has little to no control, such as where to live, what to eat and who to spend time with.Play is a unique situation because it allows the child to exert some control over the activity.To continue with the sandcastle example, when a child is at play, he/she can make the important decisions such as choosing to create a moat or add a flag.The child also has the capability of following through with the play-related decisions.So the child is able to make some changes to an activity; and this feeling of internal control (of being in charge) continues to develop throughout the lifespan.3.Freedom to suspend reality Being an agent of change in play is important because it then feels like a worthwhile experience for the child.So the child devotes intense focus and attention on the play activity.During this process of concentration on play, the child becomes relatively oblivious to the external structures around him/her.The advantages of play to childrens' development is significant.For this reason, many health professionals such as occupational therapists, play therapists and psychologists use play as a therapeutic tool.Check out our other articles on how the various health professionals utilise play to foster development in children.
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