BRIGHT HORIZONS Play – The Real Work of Childhood

Play - The Real Work of Childhood

SUBMITTED BY: MORGAN STEIN, CENTER DIRECTOR, BRIGHT HORIZONS

For children, play is more than fun and games: it’s essential for learning and development.

Play has always been the foundation of childhood. It helps children build relationships and confidence; it supports important life skills including empathy and creativity; and when done with other children, it sparks the collaboration they’ll need throughout life. Plus, it’s a natural stress-reliever — a welcome happiness booster at a time when we all could really use one. Read on to explore the importance of play, how it helps children learn, and how to encourage rich experiences.

PLAY MATTERS — PRIORITIZE IT

Family schedules are jam-packed these days. There’s more being squeezed into a typical day; free time is at a premium; and academics are rising in importance. But play should be prioritized — it helps children learn and hit developmental milestones and builds the foundation they need for the future.

LEARNING THROUGH PLAY

How does play facilitate learning? For one, it helps your child practice skills. Consider literacy – a child reading a book to an audience of stuffed animals is developing reading skills and a love of books. Play can also be used to help prepare for and relieve anxiety around upcoming situations or events, such as the first day of school or a doctor visit. It supports the development of decision-making skills, healthy habits, healthy risk-taking, and self-control. And it integrates all areas of development — physical, social-emotional, communication, and cognitive.

CHILDREN IN CHARGE

As adults, it’s tempting to try to drive play experiences ourselves. But play is richest when your child takes the lead, so allowing them to do so can make it even more meaningful. Sit in the sandbox while they go on an archeological dig. Be the audience or participate with them as they engage in dramatic play. Work together to set up an obstacle course. With your attention, it might be easier for them to talk through a tough situation with a friend, re-enact something that happened at school, or try something new and challenging, like walking on a balance beam.

OPEN-ENDED EXPERIENCES

Open-ended materials, or materials without a predetermined use, are playtime gold. Blocks, sand, water, dirt, sticks, small wheelbarrows, small shovels, ramps, balls, cardboard boxes, and all the fun objects you can find around your house can nurture creativity and create some of the best learning experiences. Ask open-ended questions and statements that provoke children’s thinking, e.g., “I wonder what would happen if…” or, “What could we use this for?” A single stick can be a magic wand, a flagpole, or a cauldron stirrer. A cardboard box can become a car or a building. Let your child’s imagination run wild!

FITTING IT ALL IN

Play isn’t just another task to add to your to-do list — if you let it, it can happen naturally throughout the day. Engage your child in simple everyday moments of play, like a game of peeka-boo, joke-telling, or a treasure hunt. Spend time at the park, on the playground, or in your backyard. Build with household materials and make music with pots, pans, and wooden spoons. It’s all considered play - and it will all help your child learn.

THE EARLY YEARS - A JOYFUL TIME

At Bright Horizons at Orange, we make sure childhood is full of learning and fun. Here, you’ll find exciting and immersive experiences that are both play- and project-based. Our Discovery Driven Learning™ approach makes learning an adventure, inspires curiosity, and encourages exploration. And it all comes together to create the best early education for your child.

Photo: Morgan Stein

Bright Horizons is located at 284 Silverbrook Road, Orange. Ready to get started? Book a virtual tour, by going to the Tuition and Openings page at child-care-preschool.brighthorizons.com/CT/Orange/orange. Call 203-799-8033 or email orng@brighthorizons.com. Facebook (Bright Horizons at Orange) 