WHY IS PLAY IMPORTANT IN EARLY YEARS?

Importance of Play

Let us look at your answers and check if they are somewhat like the below examples:

  • Children in early years find play a very Joyful experience.
  • Play is important as they learn to socialize.
  • Play is important because children discover new ideas and explore through play.
  • Play releases stress in children and hence it is very important for children to experience play.
  • Play promotes a healthy physical development
  • Play helps in brain development that helps with their physical, social, emotional skills.

If your answers were anywhere closer to this, it’s great. If not, it’s ok too. Read further to understand more about the importance of Play.

IMPORTANCE OF PLAY

Play is very important for healthy brain development especially for a child within 0-8 years of age as during these years the major part of neural connections are formed.

Look at the picture below. Observe the difference between 3 months and 6 months. Within a small time span of 3 months, the neural connections are three times more. Play makes this happen.

Play lets children explore and interact with the world around them by using their creativity, imagination which helps them develop their physical, cognitive, language, social, and emotional skills. 

Play also allows a child to create their own world where they imagine that they are taller and stronger and even have superpowers.  These kinds of imaginative play help them face their fears, helps them develop their leadership skills, problem-solving skills, and decision-making skills required when they grow up to be actual adults.

For example: Consider a child role-playing as a doctor. The children themselves decide the scenario where they help a patient. They try to solve the patient’s concerns. They communicate with the patient. They develop awareness of the real world situations. All this happens through play by simple imitation. And above all play is an immense joy that a child adores throughout their childhood.