š¦ "I'm going to eat youuuu."
-My tiny tot.
I love to see his developing imagination. It's the sweetest thing, watching little ones play so peacefully. š You will never convince me that play is not the best method for learning! Always.
True free play involves any kind of unstructured activity that encourages children to use their imagination, such as playing with blocks, dolls, and toy cars. It would not include playing with most electronic toys. A group of kids playing soccer in the backyard together versus playing on a team with a coach would be another good example of free play time.
More examples of free play include:
Drawing, coloring, painting, cutting, and gluing with art supplies
Playing make-believe and dress-up
Playing on playground equipment, climbing, swinging, running around
Reading and looking at books they enjoy, not as part of homework or study
SIDENOTE: If you're counting on school recess to provide your child with a healthy dose of free play, you may want to rethink that decision. The length of school recess may be too short to count as free play. In fact, it is rarely mandated at the state level and some schools have even eliminated it altogether! Additionally, recess is often a very structured event.
In my experiences this year as a virtual homeschooling parent, the very first observation I made was that kids are overscheduled. Most families live pretty structured lives with with activities and schedules. There really isn't much time left to just play.
Experts say that free-play allows kids to use their creativity, develop their imagination, and dexterity and encourages kids to interact with the world around them. It helps children enhance learning readiness and problem solving skills, conquer fears, build confidence, and practice decision making skills, as well as how to work together, share, and resolve conflicts.
Another added benefit to free-play like running, biking, jumping, swimming, etc. is that it is a great way to encourage healthy bodies and minds! When their active and healthy, their ability to manage emotions is much better - helping them to regulate fear, anger, and other emotions while playing. All great for helping them in real life situations.
On that note, it is my opinion that unstructured play lets your kids explore their imagination and the things around them. In a time when so many parents deal with hectic schedules, it's good to remember the importance of a little free time. Heck, some of the best interactions between parents and kids occur during downtime, when you are just talking, preparing meals together, working on a hobby or art project, playing sports together, or being fully immersed in child-centered play.
P.S.
Did you know that you can find bird houses, paint, paint brushes, and paintable window charms in the craft isle for your kiddos (for only 95 cents each) at Wal-Mart ? We stock up on them frequently and it makes for a great way to pass time outdoors! Now you know. š
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