Play is a crucial part of childhood. It’s not just about having fun (although that’s enough of a reason!). Play is an integral part of the way children learn and it teaches them things that they cannot learn in any other way.
During play, children increase their social competence and emotional maturity. These are the building blocks of school success.
Play supports emotional development by providing kids a way to express and cope with feelings as they act out being angry, sad, or worried in a situation they control.
Play contributes to children’s fine and gross motor development and body awareness as they actively use their bodies.
When young children use their imaginations in play, they are more creative, perform better at school tasks, and develop a problem-solving approach to learning.
This article gives a big picture view of all that play brings to a child’s life.
One of the great things about being a nanny is that you’re able to create a play based learning environment centered around your charge’s individual interests, capabilities and needs. You can create amazing play spaces indoors, outdoors and even on the go. This is a great advantage over most group care centers. Looking for amazing ideas? Check out the blog Play Based Learning. This blog features lots ideas on how to set up space to spark imagination.
