The Importance of Play Activities for Children

Child Action, Inc. 9961 Horn Road, Sacramento, CA 95827 916/369-0191 www.childaction.orgPlay is special for children. Not only is it fun, but itis also important for healthy development. It is theirwork and their way of learning about the world.Through play, children try out new skills, exploretheir imagination and creativity, and developrelationships with other people in their lives. Playcan be an especially powerful bonding time foryou, as a parent or caregiver. Playtime with yourchild also brings out the best in you. The beauty ofthis learning and growing time is that themotivation for a young child to play is already there it is enjoyable!How Adults Can Support PlayParents and caregivers should provide a safeenvironment that offers a variety of play materialsto meet the different developmental skill levels andsupport the creative interests of children. It is alsoimportant to maintain a structured daily routine thatincludes rest, meals/snacks, active play and quietactivities.Select toys that meet the interests of childrenduring different stages of growth and development.When introducing new toys to children, it isimportant to show them how to play with and carefor the new items.You may want to help initiate play activities andthen play with the children when asked to join inthe activity. Keep in mind that parents are theirchildrens first and favorite playmates. From thevery beginning of your childs life, she is engagingin play with you, whether following your face asyou move it slowly from one side to the other, orlistening to your voice as you sing to her during adiaper change. Children love it when you are sillywith them in play, and learn social skills bymodeling your behavior. Over the years, yourchildren may have a lot of fun toys to play with, butthey dont compare to you!Stages of PlayChildrens behavior in play develops in stages. Playallows children to explore new things at their ownpace, master physical agility, learn new skills andfigure things out in their own way. During play withothers, children learn leadership skills by directingthe action or by following a leader.The following are common stages of play: Onlooker Behavior: Watching what otherchildren are doing, but not joining in the play Solitary Play: Playing alone without regard forothers; being involved in independent activities likeart or playing with blocks or other materials Parallel Activity: Playing near others but notinteracting, even when using the same playmaterials Associative Play: Playing in small groups with nodefinite rules or assigned roles Cooperative Play: Deciding to work together tocomplete a building project or pretend play withassigned roles for all of the members of the groupHandout