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Child development
Zaib Unisa, Reading Specialist
AlHuda International School, Faisalabad,Pakistan
The brain's favourite way of learning
Play is our brain’s favourite way of learning. Learning through play is a term usually used in education to
describe how a child can learn new things from surroundings and how it impacts on the child’s cognitive skills,
confidence, maturity, emotional development and learning from the environment. It’s understanding that
learning is a process which is completed not only by following textbooks, but also how and what we learn from
our experiences. Outdoor games or indoor activities play a central role in child development.
Why play will always be every educators best friend
Children are naturally drawn to play outside and it has
enormous benefit:
It increases attention spans.
It builds physically fit and healthier child.
When a child feels happy with an activity it stimulates
his immunity and growth.
Children also get a chance to see the world from a new
perspective.
It allows them to explore their environment.
Develops muscle strength, coordination and self
confidence.
iThings
There was a time when playing was associated only with
going outside and doing physical activities. Many parents
are now worried about their children being busy on their
iThings and not going outside to play. The good news is
that playing video games is not as harmful as we suppose
them to be. Different studies have show that children who
play video games often:
Develop fast reactions and rapid problem solving skills.
Learn new things quickly.
Are able to work more independently than their peers.
Are better able to multi-task.
Handle high intensity and pressure situations more
effectively and experience less stress.
Communication
Play is the language of children. Through play, children
get a chance to interact with other children who have
different abilities, communication skills and personalities.
Thus it opens a way to understand others and also to
convey themselves, helping to build new vocabulary as
well as the self confidence to communicate in different
situations.
.Learning to ask questions
Children are much less self-conscious during play and
more readily ask questions. It empowers their observation
skills, they collaborate with others more readily and learn
to take risks.
Social skills
Through play children learn vital non-verbal gestures,
facial expressions and body language. Understanding of
complex social conventions and the need for taking turns
develops rapidly. It helps the growth of empathy and is
essential for communication, persuasion and critical
thinking. It fosters respect and tolerance. Following the
rules in a game makes children learn self control and
motivation, how to stay on-task and the importance of
doing the right thing.
Patience
Patience is an essential part of a play and in our lives.
Waiting for our turn and performing the duties in a game
fosters patience in children. It also makes them realise
that other people are important too.
Cognitive Development
Play is vital for creativity and imagination. When children
play “A doctor’s clinic”, “Cooking for guests” or a “Friend’s
birthday party”, they are remembering experiences or
imagining in a new way. Through this, they 'road test' new
situations in a safe environment, acquire knowledge and
increases their ability to interact and solve problems •
Autumn 2019 | innovatED | Issue 3 | Page 41
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