While parents and caregivers may rush to purchase the latest educational video or set of flashcards, the fact is that children also learn through play. Early childhood education should offer ample opportunities for children to touch, explore, manipulate, experiment and observe. In addition, children learn about themselves and others through social forms of play.
Effects
According to Colorado State University child development specialist Jane K. Frobose, play is the way children learn. Children forge their identities, interact with their environment, meet people and explore the world around them when they play. Playing encourages children to develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Dramatic and open-ended play boosts creativity. Children learn leadership skills. In addition, diverse experiences in play lays the foundation for literacy and success in school.
Features
As children's first playmates, parents can integrate several playful features into daily routines to encourage learning. Interacting with children, whether in conversation or running in the park, is more beneficial than merely supervising children as they play. Try child-centered play, in which you follow the child's interests. Be creative, open and fun to possibilities, using toys and household objects in different ways. Challenge your children to try developmentally appropriate tasks, but do not concern yourself with assessing them.
Types
In the article "Learning Through Play," parenting specialist Shelley Butler divides children's play into the categories of active play, quiet play, cooperative play, solitary play, manipulative play, creative play and dramatic play. Integrate activities from these different categories, such as climbing, reading, drawing, dreaming, stacking blocks, painting, playing music, storytelling, dressing up and playing make-believe.
Expert Insight
According to developmental psychologist Jean Piaget, children not only enjoy play, they use it to construct meaning. Diverse types of play give children the opportunity to reorganize new information. Rather than memorizing a discrete set of facts, children are stretching their existing knowledge to incorporate new ideas.
Warning
While children enjoy all types of play, take care that educational games adhere to their ability levels. Design activities that fit your child's unique developmental stage or that gently stretch them to the next level. You should not work young children to the point of frustration.
