Why Is Play Important?

Through play, children learn about themselves and the world around them. It helps children understand their environment and gives them a chance to learn and to practice new skills. Here are just a few examples of what your child learns and practices every time he/she plays:

©The ability to problem-solve

©The ability to think logically

©Ways to communicate/interact with others

©Socially acceptable behaviors

©Creativity

©Flexibility

©The ability to adapt to situations 

Parents learn about their child's development by watching and participating in play. You will learn what skills your child has gained and what skills he/she needs to practice. Once you know your child's abilities you will be able to find toys and activities that stimulate play, encourage imagination, and promote learning. Here are some ways you can encourage, support, and guide your child's play:

• All children learn through play, but remember that types of play vary according to the child's age, mood, and abilities.

• Avoid forcing your child to play.

• Provide appropriate toys and activities based on your child's age and abilities. 
•  

• Express interest in what your child is playing.

• Avoid making your child leave the toy or activity before he/she is ready. Sometimes this is not possible, but preventing interruptions when possible helps make play a positive experience.

• Provide a variety of play experiences: quiet play, active play, creative play, make-believe play, and group play (if appropriate for your child's age and abilities).

• Provide clean, safe, well-built toys that your child can use in a variety of ways.
• Provide household items like pots, pans, and plastic containers with lids. These often make good toys.

• Provide a clean and safe environment.

Allow your child to be creative. The act of play is more important than the "quality" of the finished product.

What Toys Are Appropriate?

Toys should be appropriate for the child's age and abilities; too much difficulty causes frustration and misused toys are potentially hazardous. Toys should help children:

1. Explore2. Invent 3. Create 4. Test out their skills 5. Show off 6. Stretch their physical limits 7. Fantasize 8. Role-play 9. Act protectively to something less powerful than themselves

Every child needs:

• Blocks: Wooden blocks, Legos, Duplos, Lincoln Logs, or wood scrapes of different sizes, shapes, and colors.

• Dolls, Puppets, and Stuffed Animals: With clothes and blankets (Barbie is good for children 6 or 7 years old).

• Domestic Props: Play food, money, tools cash register, dress up clothes, play (get play clothes, jewelry, and shoes at garage sales).

• Puzzles: Simple 4-10 pieces, sewing cards, beads to string (spools and cereal make good beads).

• Books: Picture books, poems, nursery rhymes, tapes, tape recorders, and magazines.

• Climbing, Jumping, Riding Toys: Tricycle, big wheel, swing, Nerf balls.

• Stringing, Pouring, Cutting, Drawing Things: Water, sand, birdseed, rice, clay, funnels, cake pans, scissors, and glue sticks.