October 10, 2024 Family Guide: Play is Learning Play Benefits the Entire Family Scientists estimate that the most rapid period of brain development happens before age five, though the brain continues to grow through adolescence, with the prefrontal cortex maturing around age 25. Neuroplasticity—the brain’s ability to adapt—can be strengthened into adulthood. For children, play is crucial for physical, cognitive, social, emotional, and language development. For adults, it reduces stress, boosts cognitive function, and enhances creativity. Children engage in play both at home and in school through activities like drawing, exploring, and playing with toys. Adults can incorporate play by hosting game nights, joining sports, or playing with pets. Family play fosters learning, fun, and connection, supporting brain development through varied experiences. Skills Children Learn Through Play Conflict resolution Creativity and imagination Emotional expression Fine/gross motor skills Language and literacy Problem solving and decision making Resilience/confidence Risk assessment Spatial awareness Types of Play/Examples Constructive: Block building; puzzles; Lego; sand castles; sticks & stones Fine Motor: Drawing/coloring; puzzles; pinching/pulling objects; play dough Games with Rules: board games; freeze dance; tag Gross Motor: crawling; running; jumping; dancing; riding a bicycle; throwing a ball Imaginative: Dress-up; play cooking/cleaning; reenactment; telling stories Loose Parts: Exploration of rocks, sticks, beads, paper, cotton balls Music: Musical instruments; singing; listening to music; making instruments Outdoor: Playgrounds; sandboxes; backyard exploration; parks; nature walks Risky: Climbing; balancing; fast speeds; outdoor exploration Sensory: Sensory bins; play dough; mud; water play; music Social: Story time; drop-in play centers; playground; community playtime How to Play as a Family Ways to Play Child-directed: The child leads and directs the play through activities they have chosen. Adults can support this type of play by asking questions, allowing the child to direct, and providing positive feedback. Guided: Adults guide the child through play, integrating learning outcomes into the child-directed free play. Adults are deliberate in introducing specific concepts and skill-building. Unstructured/Free: This is a type of play that is not organized or directed by adults and does not have a specific outcome. Children have the freedom to be imaginative and uninhibited. Supporting Play Adults can support a child’s play and have fun themselves by: Allowing the child to lead Asking questions Being active at the playground Dressing up Giving encouragement and positive feedback Incorporating play into daily tasks Introducing songs and games Mirroring the way the child is playing Providing interesting materials Reading together Using the imagination Play for Adolescents and Teenagers Play does not have to end as a child gets older. As school becomes more instructive and less playful, play outside of school becomes even more important. Caregivers can continue to support play by encouraging participation in activities like sports, music, art lessons, board or virtual game play, social events, outdoor activities, and more. Adolescents and teenagers should have the chance to explore what interests them. Resources Importance of Play in Early Childhood (Head Start) The Importance of Play for Adults (Psych Central) Fine Motor Skills (Cleveland Clinic) Gross Motor Skills (Cleveland Clinic) Guided Play (Famly) Sensory Play (Brightwheel) Constructive Play (Famly) Risky Play (Boston University Children’s Center)
October 4, 2024 Let’s Play About Play doesn’t need to be expensive. Learning Through Play offers a variety of games that children and their caregivers can play indoors or outside, using everyday items they’ll find at home. Learn More Use Learning Through Play’s filters to find popular activities.
The Value of Play for Young Children About Play-based learning isn’t just about letting children do what they want. It’s about adults guiding and evaluating the play to engage them more deeply with the learning process. Learn More Learn more about the value of play-based learning and how play is essential for brain development in this piece by First Five Years.
