The power of play for your childs' development

It's been said that children's work is play—and it's true! Children learn about the world, themselves, and each other through play. It's just as important as eating vegetables, reading books together, and getting a good night's sleep for a child's development. Even the United Nations recognizes play as one of a child's fundamental rights.

There is no such thing as a correct or incorrect way to play. It could be anything from a fork in mashed potatoes to playing video games or staring out the window. Depending on the day and the child, it appears differently:

1) Children play with their friends at playschool like a nursery in Wimbledon and alone at other times.

2) They may speak aloud at times and remain silent in their heads at other times.

3) Play can be messy or dangerous at times, and quiet and relaxing at others.

4) To play, children do not require expensive toys or certificates. They require time, space, and freedom to investigate the ideas that pique their interest. Children learn when they play, regardless of how it appears.

Play, both unstructured and structured, is important for a child's development for six reasons:

1. Play promotes creativity and imagination.

Children's imaginations are stretched during play. They make up games or get lost in make-believe worlds. While boosting their confidence, children act out various solutions. They create their own rules, which they learn to follow or adapt as needed. These are valuable abilities for navigating life and forming relationships.

2. Play Promotes Cognitive Development

What does it mean to "foster cognitive growth"? It implies that play is necessary for proper brain development.

Unstructured play is when children are allowed to direct their own activities. They are not restricted by adult-directed schedules or activities. Unstructured play is beneficial to a child's brain development. It strengthens and expands the brain's neural connections. These are the mental pathways that we use to think.

Unstructured play also aids in the development and strengthening of the brain's prefrontal cortex. This area has an impact on how a child learns, solves problems, and learns about their surroundings.

3. Play Has Emotional and Behavioral Advantages

When we're feeling overwhelmed as adults, we turn to activities that help us relax. We go to the gym, sing karaoke with friends, take a walk around the neighborhood, weed the garden, or play a board game with our friends. These pastimes are more than just a diversion. They're a way of reintroducing play into our lives and reconnecting us with the things that help us stay grounded.

Children are the same way, though they require significantly more playtime. Playing on a regular basis can help to reduce anxiety, stress, and irritability. It also aids in the enhancement of happiness and self-esteem.

By naming emotions, adults who observe children at play can help them understand them better. "It sounds like you're nervous about going to school tomorrow," for example.

4. Play is a great way to improve your literacy skills.

Language acquisition is built into the DNA of all children. They begin to develop language and literacy skills through play and interactions as early as birth. When adults describe what they see, hear, and do, babies and toddlers pick up new words. Syllables and beats are linked in songs and poems. This aids in the development of children's listening skills as well as their understanding of the sounds in words.

5. Play promotes self-sufficiency.

In many cases, children have little control or say over their daily activities. They are told what to do when to do it, and where they must go for the majority of their days. They have the opportunity to set the rules and be the ones in charge in the world of play. Adults can be the ones who listen and follow directions, and they can be the ones who lead.

6. Play Encourages Physical Activity

Children's bodies are wired to be active, whether they realize it or not. Physical Play, or any type of play that gets them moving, is extremely important to children. It's part of how they learn to use their bodies and helps to strengthen brain connections. It's also a great form of exercise that encourages children to be fit and healthy.

For more info, visit  www.wimbledondaynursery.co.uk.