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 and learn. 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.
At our inservice we got a lot of practice! We had so much fun being children at play!
