"Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth," reads the first line in this 12 page report.
AAP also reports that despite the benefits derived from play for both child and parent, time for free play has been markedly reduced for some children!
AAP lists many important reasons why play is important:
- Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength.
- Play is important to healthy brain development
Puppet Book - It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them.
- Play allows children to create and explore a world they can master, conquering their fears while practicing adult roles, sometimes in conjunction with other children or adult caregivers.
- Undirected play allows children to learn how to work in groups, to share, to negotiate, to resolve conflicts, and to learn self-advocacy skills.
You can read the full report by visiting The American Academy of Pediatrics site.
Simple, undirected play is so important in building confidence and fostering creativity. It's especially important in our current digital world, where children can become over stimulated and then easily bored in quiet times.
ReplyDeleteI believe Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength. Thank you so much for this post, Coloring Pages
ReplyDeleteHi Coloring Pages! You are very welcome, and I agree with you 100%.
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