“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.” – Diane Ackerman

 

I am sure you have heard your child say, “I just want to play” time and time again. As parents, we always want the best for our children and, at the same time, we have so many expectations of them. I know, I am a parent too!

However, sometimes we have to sit back and allow children the freedom to play and explore, as this is how they learn best. After all, the curriculum we follow for young children is all about promoting learning through play.

Children identify their likes and dislikes through play and develop a sense of who they are as individuals. They feel empowered and important, and their interests are valued. They also learn about their own abilities and challenges, build positive relationships with others, learn how to share and take turns, and develop confidence and independence.

Children should also be introduced to and encouraged to be resourceful. If you have old clothes, pieces of fabric, empty boxes in different shapes and sizes, plastic water bottles, or even old pots and pans, don’t throw them away! Instead, reuse and recycle.

Watch what your children can create with a little imagination. Think about forts and dens, rocket ships for space adventures, their very own marching band, and the most loved of all: pretending to be mummy and daddy by dressing up in your old clothes.

Play provides many opportunities for children to communicate with others, including adults. There are so many fascinating things you can learn about children’s thoughts and the way they see the world when speaking to them during their play.

There are also many teaching and bonding moments for you as well. The next time your child is out in the garden, digging in the soil and filling pails with water, speak to them about what they are doing. Ask them if they know about the animals that live there. Do they understand how the trees grow?

Use this as an opportunity to encourage your children to develop their communication, share their thoughts and ideas, and, in turn, you can also introduce them to new words.

If you are looking to raise confident and resilient children who are not afraid of new experiences or exploring new environments, allow them the freedom to play. Through play, they learn to think outside the box, become safe risk-takers, explore their abilities and overcome challenges.

Mrs Philippa Wallace
Nursery Manager
Jumeirah International Nurseries at Sunmarke School, JVT