We learned so much this summer through the "Power of Play"! Thank you parents for helping your children complete their themed "homework" over the weekends! We had a VERY successful summer!
Toys are fun, but toys are also tools that help children learn about themselves and the world around them. Play is critical to the healthy growth and development of children. As children play, they learn to solve problems, to get along with others, and to develop the fine and gross motor skills needed to grow, learn, and play. Play helps a child do the following:
•Develop physical skills. Gross motor skills are developed as a child learns to reach, grasp, crawl, run, climb and balance. Fine motor skills are developed as children handle small toys.
•Develop cognitive concepts. Children learn to solve problems (What does this do? Does this puzzle piece fit here?) through play. Children also learn colors, numbers, size and shapes. They have the ability to enhance their memory skills as well as their attention span. Children move on to higher levels of thought as they play in a more stimulating environment.
•Develop language skills. Language develops as a child plays and interacts with others. This begins with parents playing cooing games with their children and advances to practical levels such as telling make-believe stories and jokes.
•Develop social skills. Learning to cooperate, negotiate, take turns, and play by the rules are all important skills learned in early games. These skills grow as the child plays. As a result, children learn the roles and rules of society.
As a teacher, what is my role in play?
Teachers are children’s first and best playmates. Teachers have a role in being involved in their children’s play. Children tend to be more creative when their teachers are involved in their play. The best play occurs when the adult plays alongside the child, rather than just providing the toys or supervising. Becoming part of a child’s play may take practice. Some teachers feel that they need to give up “childish” things and “grow up.” However, this is not true for teachers. Some suggestions for joining your child’s play include:
•Observe. Watch your child closely to learn what he or she can do and has problems doing. Also, be aware of your child’s favorite activities.
•Follow. Join in and play with your child so that he or she knows you are interested in what he or she is doing. You can add to the complexity of the play; however, let your child be in control and determine the direction of play.
•Be creative. Let go of the adult idea that there is only one way to play with a toy. Use toys in different ways, and you will be amazed at how many different ways you can play with one toy. Being creative will make playing more fun for you and your child.
