How Children Learn Through Play

Cognitive Development Through Playing

Play almost always involves cognitive development. There are the obvious manipulative toys, puzzles and games that are specifically fostering mental activity, but by simply exploring materials around them, children can learn new concepts, such as volume, problem solving, and math skills, to name a few. Children learn how materials relate to each other, and hold a place in the world's make-up.

To illustrate, the following are some examples. A child playing outside, discovers how water turns to ice overnight in the cold, and then as the sun comes out, watches it melt as a space is cleared for his favourite plastic boat. Later he may relate this to concepts, or ask questions which will lead to a discussion about ice and water.

Furthermore, a child at the water table is learning about volume when pouring water into different shaped containers. At a block table, a child is learning to problem solve as he tries to fit a block figurine into a small space, and eventually moves one of the blocks. At the play dough table, a child is learning math concepts as she counts the balls made. Lastly, when a child is exploring new experiences and familiar material at different times of the day, his/her language use increases, and concepts are further ingrained.

Physical Development Through Play

Children gain knowledge about their bodies, and develop physically through play. Children learn about their senses and body movements. They develop not only their gross motor skills, but also their fine motor skills. Inevitably, kicking a ball or riding a bike develops muscle control and strength in a child.

In addition, play develops fine motor skills, for instance, picking up small rocks to make a walkway to the sandcastle just made, or finding some small twigs for the special pie being made in the sandbox. Children learn how wet sand feels through their fingers in comparison to dry sand. They learn how flowers smell in the spring, and how rain sounds when it hits the ground.

Social Development Through Play

Play is one of the best ingredients for social development in children, particularly drama play. Observing a child lost in his/her created world is clear evidence of the outlet play provides for children. Children, through drama play, are allowed to try on the social roles they see around them, and by doing so, begin to understand the diversity in this world. Children learn a great deal of social skills through play. They figure out ways to share, cooperate and negotiate with each other. Children playing together learn to interact, share ideas and space, and take turns with material and discussion.

Emotional Development Through Play

Children work through a great deal of feeling and emotions through play. By having the freedom to engage in lengthy, self-directed play, a child’s sense of self and confidence develops. He/she may be working out a feeling such as fear by re-enacting a particular event. A child may simply be given an opportunity to be silly and laugh and learn how good that feels.Through playing with each other, children discover how to deal with their feelings, label them and find solutions on how to deal effectively with what they are experiencing.

Providing the Time for PlayWith all these factors involved, it our responsibility as caregivers to allow children free time and space to explore and discover their environment with ease, through play. Children deserve uninterrupted time to unfold in their play in environments, which are comforting and secure, as well as stimulating and imaginative. In respect to children’s individuality, caregivers should provide a variety of materials, such as sensory tables, and types of play, such as free time along with cooperative games. The material and activities should include different levels of skill to match the individual growth and readiness of each child in a group. A responsible caregiver should be committed to encouraging, and enhancing play, not by controlling the process, but by observing, commenting, redirecting, and sometimes playing herself!

Through play, children actively learn a number of skills. Time spent playing allows children to try new experiences, and test abilities. When comfortable and secure, children orchestrate their own learning process through observing and choosing their involvement. Through hands-on learning, they can truly experience and remember facts. Lastly, by being in control of this act of learning, play fosters independence, self-direction