Play: essential pathway for growth

Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from learning. But for children play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood — Fred Rogers (American childrens television host)I have a three-year-old granddaughter, so naturally I like to read everything I can about children in this age group. Not long ago, I came across some thoughts on puddles — yes, puddles — that were buried in a book about children. The writer asked us to imagine a child walking down the street looking for something fun to do when all of a sudden she notices a puddle. Its not just any old puddle; its a really good one — deep, wide, wet and full of messy stuff. The child is wearing her best clothes. Well, if you have any sort of imagination, you will be able to quickly sense that for a child, this is a magical moment — a special opportunity for fun and frolic. The writer went on to explain how children often regard puddles as a mysterious and wonderful magnetic force — sort of a flashing sign that seems to say: Welcome (your name here)! We are delighted you have come to visit! Inevitably its not enough for a child to jump into a puddle just once. Several jumps have to follow, with bigger and bigger splashes. This is commonly followed by jumping into yet another puddle, because a ‘puddle found is a puddle earned. The point of this puddle analogy is that children live, play and splash for the moment. For example, lets consider what a typical day consists of for my granddaughter and her friends: • Play and fun • Exercise of mind and body • Learning, exploring, and experimenting • Creating stuff and making messes • Opportunities for self-expression • Variety and flexibility • Doing important ‘stuff • Marching to their own drum In other words, almost the whole day is devoted to play, and it is through play that children of her age learn and grow. In fact, if you were to look up the dictionary definition of ‘play, you will appreciate that play is a vitally essential pathway for kids on their journey of growth, and fulfillment of potential. Heres a definition of play I found: Play, v. to occupy oneself in amusement, sport, or some other activity in which there is an opportunity to have fun, learn something, and make a mess. However, play isnt important only for three-year-olds. It offers opportunities for children of all ages to develop their motor and reasoning skill sets. Thats why it is so crucial to provide opportunities for children to participate in physical education and sports — because these activities give them the chance to ‘play and learn by doing. Whether a child is a high-potential athlete or an average, awkward kid, she should have every chance to participate in games and physical activities to build values and learn skills such as teamwork, trust, discipline, dependability, and hard work.…