What is play?

• It is the primary way in which children learn.

• In play children use all of the tools they possess - body, relationships with family and peers, as well as the world around them.
• Play fuels healthy child development.
• It is fun. Therefore it is repeated. And with repetition activities are mastered, which brings a sense of accomplishment and confidence.

Types
• Solitary - children playing alone and independently, following their own interests without reference to others.
• Onlooker - children who watch other children playing, ask questions and make suggestions, but do not enter into the play.
• Parallel - children playing the same activity or with similar materials beside each other, but not talking or interacting with one another.
• Associative - children playing with each other, sharing similar materials and activities in an unorganized way.
• Cooperative - children working together and interacting, to play or create something in an organized and purposeful way.

Stages of Complexity

• Simple Sensory Exploration & Manipulation
• Symbolic Play
• Cooperative and Formal Games

• Play enhances cognitive skills. Children learn concepts, how to group objects, how to make sense of things and events and problem solving.
• Play develops motor skills
• Play enhances language skills
• Social and emotional skills are developed in play

• They are appealing and interesting to the child.
• They are proper for the child's physical capacities.
• They are appropriate for the child's mental and social development.
• They are suitable for use with groups of children.
• They are well-constructed, durable and safe for the age of the child.

• Allow children time and create opportunities for free and directed play.
• Understand that each child has his or her own unique and individual style and approach to play and learning.
• Create or allow room for safe exploration and play with limited restrictions. Create play spaces inside and outside.
• Provide a variety of interesting and safe materials and activities ranging from simple to complex: toys, art and writing supplies, books, musical instruments (drums at your own risk), dress-up costumes, puzzles, games. Play materials need to be developmentally appropriate.
• Don't over stimulate a child, particularly infants.
• Make limits clear, age-appropriate and understandable.
• Rotate toys regularly to keep children interested.
• Listen to children as they play, observe them. Pay attention to their preferences and their abilities.
• Encourage children to talk about what they are doing and how they are feeling.
• Occasionally join in with the child in play.

Have Fun!