The Importance of play

Play is the way children learn. In the past many generations lived together, either under one roof or close together in the community and there were many opportunities for play. Now parents want their children to play at home so playing opportunities with others are fewer.

Children with access to a wide variety of toys are more likely to be intellectually stimulated and challenged. They reach higher levels of intellectual development regardless of age, sex, racial or social class.

Toys that stimulate mental development are appropriate to the child's abilities, responsive to the child's movements and give feedback when manipulated.Whether playing alone or with others, quietly or with enthusiasm play is the way that children explore their world and use their imaginations.

A baby's first toys are important in teaching about size, shape, colour and texture. The availability of toys in infancy is strongly related to the child's IQ at 3 years of age. In the first year babies respond to bright colours and gentle sounds.

Musical toys and mobiles are ideal. At first babies cannot co-ordinate their hand and eye movements so all shape and feel is learned about through mouthing the object.

As they gain co-ordination an activity mat is good for exploring textures and shapes.

Half the waking hours of a toddler are devoted to play so toys that move, and stimulate the imagination, such as play sets, toy vehicles, soft toys and puppets are popular.

An active toddler needs toys for physical play, toys they can sit on, push or pull. Toys that are responsive to movements hold the child's attention. Increasing the attention span is important for reading.

Pretend play is important for 3-5 year olds. This is how new skills are developed, language being one of these. As children gain confidence and social skills they enjoy play with other children.

This is when role playing and fantasy games help because these are the things which help social and emotional development.

Realistic toys such as dolls, action figures, household items, things which resemble everyday people and objects help children to understand the world.

Active play on swings, slides and climbing frames encourages physical development, co-ordination and balance. As they develop logic and are able to concentrate for longer games with rules like "lotto" matching games and memory games become more interesting.

One of the joys of being a parent or grandparent is the opportunity to play with children. It is the ideal setting for getting to know each other while providing a foundation for the child's future, raising the child's self esteem and happiness. While playing adults are both teachers and learners. At all times they are role models. Shared playtime is an opportunity for mutual enjoyment and discovery.

Have you played with your child today?