5 Key Aspects of Play
5 Key Aspects of Play
Play is not only an important part of children’s learning, but it is truly how children’s brains learn and grow. Through play, children are able to build connections, develop self-regulation and decision-making skills, and more. Play can be social, physical, constructive, fantasy, and even involve games with rules. The interesting thing to note is that if any of these experiences are missing the following key aspects, then it cannot be considered play in the child’s world. During play, children are learning how to relate to their world and make sense of it, while developing crucial skills and abilities throughout their brain and body.
Here are 5 aspects of play that must be present:
Opportunity for spontaneity
It is important for children to feel like they’re able to be spontaneous in their play. Feeling secure and safe in their space allows them to try new ideas, take risks, and imagine. When play is spontaneous, it leads to a flow of inventive and creative ideas. This develops their imagination and ability to think outside of the box. These are very valuable skills that they’ll use throughout their life.
2.Promotes freedom in decision-making
Play that offers freedom is play that provides children the opportunity to make their own decisions, develop critical thinking skills, and engage in an experience that is far different from their typical experience. Normally, children do not have control over their day so having the opportunity to be in charge of making decisions and the freedom to carry out their imaginative ideas is vitally important to their growth and development and it is a wonderful benefit to play.
3.Enjoyable
Play should be enjoyable to those engaged in it. If children are not engaged and emotionally connected to what they are playing, then it is not actually play. Adults can often view activities as play, when the two are very different. While activities can have value, they should not be confused with play. When a child’s emotions are attached and they’re fully engaged and enjoying the experience, then they are immersed in play!
4.Self-motivated
Intrinsic motivation is another key aspect of play that can be overlooked. Activities, events, and experiences can be arranged and organized for children, but this doesn’t mean that they are engaged in play. Children follow their own wants and needs in their play, making them motivated to stay fully engaged in the experience.
5.Meaningful
Play must have meaning to the child. Have you ever seen a group of children who are playing and one of them just doesn’t seem very engaged? Perhaps they are older and uninterested or they are just not feeling excited to participate. If the play doesn’t hold meaning to the child, then it is not considered play. On the opposite end, when play is meaningful and important, a child can remain fully engaged and in their own world, separate from reality, for long periods of time.
For a child, play is an essential aspect of their lives, helping them to learn and grow. If you’re interested in learning more about the importance of play in the early years.
