Kids play: what children learn about life through playing

Vibrant Life, Jan-Feb, 1992 by Debra Fulghum Bruce

A younger father was overheard commenting to his wife as they watched their 2-year-old playing in the sand at the park: "I can't wait for Jason to start learning instead of just playing all the time, so we can really begin teaching him about life." Yet young Jason was perfectly contented to learn about life - his way.

Playing is an important stage of children's development, one in which they practice living. Through play children learn to organize their thoughts and make simple decisions. Play uses every ounce of a child's energy, as it encourages his or her imagination and develops physical and mental skills. In fact, play is vital in the day-to-day experiences of a child in order for learning to occur.

Have you ever watched you baby study the colors and shapes of a mobile over the crib? The attention seems to be absorbed in figuring out this strange object. As he or she gazes at the kaleidoscope of colors, the senses are awakened. The eyes illuminate and glisten, and he or she babbles with delight.

Play motivates learning by allowing a baby to discover texture, shapes, size, likenesses, and differences through trial and error. Young children learn to count as they line up their toy cars or count the stuffed animals on their bed. Infants discover motion as they bat the mobile of bells over their crib and hear the responding sound. And because play is constant repetition, the newly gained insight into life is enhanced each day as children repeat the process.

Play is also an important basis for language development in young children. As a child learns to interact with peers and experiences new situations, he or she can only broaden an existing vocabulary.

Play also helps children learn the value of friendship. By interacting with others, they discovery what cooperation is all about. They experiment with words such as "mine," "yours," and "ours." They learn the benefits of give and take; of sharing; of patience. And through play, they learn to cope with frustrations that arise when situations do not go their way.

Psychologists have divided a young child's social play into five main stages:

1. Solitary play - infant, baby

2. Toddler spectator play - children watch each other

3. Two or three parallel play - children are near each other

4. Associative play - children appear to be playing together

5. Genuine cooperative play - playing together

In a sense, play is the working partner for growth, since activity is as vital to growth as food and sleep.

Allowing your baby or toddler to experience a world of play need not be expensive or time-consuming. Here are a few suggestions.

Let the child be the participant. Infants will thrive or a mobile placed over their crib, or simple finger games, body exercises with Dad, and hiding games such as peekaboo. Touch and sound are important for the very young child. Gently rolling on the floor with him, rubbing his skin with various textures, or showing him colorful objects out of a book are all forms of play.

As babies begin to make sounds, play language games with them. You can imitate their sounds and encourage them to follow suit. Soon they will learn their own verbal versions of follow the leader.

Older babies enjoy playing with water. With your supervision, let them splash with a small plastic bowl of water. Plastic spoons and cups make good accessories for water play, and many toy manufacturers make inexpensive bathtub toys.

Sand play can be relaxing for young children, but, like water play, needs supervision. Provide 1 1/2-or 2-year-old children with a small area in which they can have a sandbox. A small plastic swimming pool with holes cut in the bottom for drainage is an inexpensive yet suitable choice. Be sure to keep the sand area covered after use with a tight plastic shield. This is especially important if you or your neighbors have pets.

Sands toys can be found in your home also. Well-washed detergent containers can be cut out for scooping; old spoons can be used for stirring; and plastic butter containers can be made into buckets.

Imaginative play is ongoing with young children, and you can provide the necessary tools of this game. A dress-up box filled with old hats, shirts, blouses, ties, shoes, and scarves will give children an opportunity to pretend. Through imaginative play they learn to express their likes and dislikes and work through their problems and fears. They'll discover acceptable means in which to express their emotions.

Young children can play with you in pretending to be animals. They can take the role of baby, mommy, or dad. Or children can express various emotions such as happiness, sadness, or excitement. With toddlers, you may suggest a specific role play such as "Let's show a happy face" or "Let's be angry." As they mature, they may make similar suggestions to you.

Be approachable when your child is at play. A child must make his or her own discoveries in order to realize learning. But you can help the child by being there while he or she is playing.

When children play in a group, parents can make sure that they are learning to treat each other fairly. Your toddlers do not understand that a tricycle can be shared. The parent in charge can enable them to learn the value of taking turns.