PLAY IS "QUALITY TIME”
Playing is an important part of a child’s development. When children are at play, they are free to explore and practice new roles. They are able to learn about a variety of materials, acquire social abilities, and learn to cope. Play helps children actively demonstrate what they feel and think about in all the different parts of their lives. Children take their play very seriously and the opportunities for varied types of play are necessary in any quality family childcare program.
As a working parent you may worry about having “quality time” with your child. Many parents feel pressure that when they can schedule time with the child it should be structured. As a parent you should understand the importance of play. Some children after a busy day at childcare treasure a quiet time when they can listen to you read them their favorite stories. Children love to sing their favorite songs and play games with you. Ask your family childcare provider what songs or games your child particularly enjoys so that you can share it with them at home. Scheduling time to simply play with your child can help them meet many developmental milestones.
Playing with your child teaches them cooperation. Being observant during play time will help you to determine how long play periods should be. When the children become loud or whinny then it’s time to introduce a different type of activity. Understanding your child’s individual temperaments and preferences will assist you in allotting an appropriate amount of time for play.
When your child is playing, she is also learning. Let’s examine how play contributes to a child’s healthy development in some important learning domains:
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
A child learns about the world around them and how to interact with it. They learn problem solving skills, imagination, and develop concentration and attention skills.
Pretending is a very important part of young children’s play. While pretending small children can feel “big and in charge”. They can take on roles that are not usually available to them. They can try on different personalities and approaches to call attention to themselves. Pretending allows children to work on their feelings about the world they live in.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT:
Physical play, such as handling a ball, promotes gross and fine motor skill development. Play that includes games like peekaboo or hide and seek teaches young children to feel confident that some things can go away and come back again. Opportunities to play outdoors and indoors should be included in your playtime.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT:
Playing together with your child allows her to practice and develop the skills needed to interact with others. Play allows your child to explore and practice adult roles. Play games that allow your child to become the Mommy or Daddy. Playing restaurant with your child and pretending to order food allows them to use what they have observed when in a restaurant. If possible have a box with dress-up clothes, hats (fireman, police, hard hat, pirate, racecar driver, etc), baby dolls, and blocks encourage cooperative play.
LANGUAGE SKILLS:
Play helps children use their language and build on what they hear from others. Have you ever observed your child saying something to a doll or stuffed animal using the exact words you use with them. Music especially singing songs together builds your child’s vocabulary. Repetition is important for young children. Your child may often want you to read the same story over and over again and will finish your sentences.
Playing with your child is not only ‘quality time’, but it also provides healthy learning opportunities for your child to grow and develop.