The Power of PLAY By Ms. Nethra.S

Did you play a lot during your childhood? Do you have memories of playing with your friends or cousins or other family members? If you get an opportunity to play with friends or cousins, would you still love to play? I’m sure the answer to most of the above questions would be a ‘yes’!

Children of all ages love to play! Play is the language of childhood. Through play children understand each other and also the world around them. During play, children observe, they try out things, they test, they imitate others, enjoy and have fun.Right from the first game of peek-a-boo that is played with a baby to the dressing up of a toddler or child as a superhero, play is the most enduring form of communication and self-expression for children. Play is a language that is hardwired in a child’s DNA.

Play teaches children about the world around them. Jean Piaget, one of the great psychologists says that ‘Play is the work of childhood’ because the work of children is to explore and discover the world, and play is where children can accomplish this task. Play teaches and builds many foundational skills for cognitive and linguistic development. It also contributes to a child’s holistic development, and develops social and interpersonal skills.Give your child a variety of play-based activities as it is their most important early learning experience.