Life is more fun if you play games – Roald Dahl
“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood.” -Fred Rogers
Play is fundamental to all aspects of a child’s learning and development.
Through play, children develop:
- language skills
- emotions and social interaction skills
- motor skills
- Creativity
- intellectual skills.
For the majority of children, play is spontaneous and natural, but other children may require support from adults to develop their play skills. Children play in a variety of different environments and with different materials and resources. During play, a child (either on their own or with others) explores and discovers their immediate world, uses their imagination and creativity, practices new skills and ideas, takes risks and solves problems. Adults are essential in supporting a child’s play e.g. by observing, listening, joining in when invited and following the child’s lead.
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