Learning Through Play

This post contains valuable information about helping your child learn through play. It is taken from a blog by Cari Ebert, a Speech/Language pathologist.  I hope you enjoy it!

The Benefits of Play

Play is essential for healthy brain development

Play is the medium through which children learn

Play sparks creativity and curiosity

Play is natural

Play is critical for expanding cognitive, language, social, emotional and motor skills

Play is a dynamic process

Play experiences provide learning opportunities

Play helps children gain a better understanding of the world around them

Through play, children learn how to learn

Play enhances problem solving skills

Play is motivated by pleasure

Through play, children discover, interact, absorb, experience, create, explore and learn

Play allows children the opportunity to practice new skills

Play facilitates productive and appropriate social interactions with peers and adults

Play enhances a child’s ability to concentrate

Play helps children learn to deal with frustration

Play fosters independence

Play offers children a variety of opportunities for testing boundaries and taking risks

Play provides children with opportunities to make choices and exercise control over their actions

Play provides sensory-rich experiences

Play fosters self-esteem

Play is fun!

 Set them free!  Let them play!

www.learning-through-play.com

General Play Guidelines and Early Intervention

Be creative and think outside the box

Don’t rely on “educational toys” to obtain and maintain a young child’s attention

Be a sensitive play partner

Follow the child’s lead

Understand that play is a dynamic process that changes and evolves as the child develops

Play is crucial for brain growth and child development

Joy is a choice

The more the toy does, the less the child does

Emotions drive a child’s attention

Play fosters natural learning and curiosity

Play is a reflection of development

Effective interaction with a child is more about the relationship than about the toy

Children learn best through play that is relevant and meaningful to their life