“Play is the highest form of Research” –Albert Einstein.
A study at the University of Iowa has shown that kids that play with
their meals (smash, throw, poke food) learn better and quicker than kids that
don’t1. These messy eaters could more correctly name foods and
identify their texture than less messy eaters.
Why is it that we consider “play” to be a “break” from work, when it
is through “play” that humans have acquired language, culture and technology?
Have you ever wondered why it is so easy for children to pick up a few
languages or play an instrument, whereas we as adults, struggle to do so? This
is because learning is a natural process, and children are more likely to learn
through play. Interacting with the environment helps a child develop skills in problem
solving, critical thinking, language, literacy, numeracy and imagination.
Unlike flashcards or academic drills, playing develops social, physical and
emotional skills like empathy and co-operation that are vital for growth and
development.
So what exactly does play mean? According to the book Einstein Never
Used Flash Cards, “play” is described as something enjoyable, spontaneous,
voluntary, engaging, having no extrinsic goals and involving make-belief2.
What makes playing so different is that a child is not just passively receiving
knowledge, but also actively engaged in its meaning. According to research
there are five main types of play3:
·
Physical play includes skipping,
colouring or “rough & tumble play”. This is necessary for physical
strength, hand-eye coordination and endurance. In particular, tough &
tumble play, which includes chasing, kicking and rolling on the ground has
known to control aggression, improve understanding of emotional expressions and
develop strong emotional bonds with parents.
·
The use of objects like
building, use of kitchen utensils and construction, develops reasoning and
problem solving skills. For instance the classic use of LEGO assists children
in setting goals, develop “private speech”, maintain attention, monitor
progress and make strategic choices to proceed.
·
Symbolic Play includes drawing,
singing and making rhymes. This is known to enhance language, numeracy, visual and
communication skills. For instance, drawing improves children’s ability to
understand pictures, maps and plans.
·
Pretence or Socio-dramatic play
is a type of play that develops cognitive, social & academic abilities.
Role-play for instance, like pretending to be firefighters, can enhance narration,
deductive reasoning, social competence and self-regulation, especially with
children who are highly compulsive.
·
Games with rules like hide
& seek, throwing & catching, board games and sports are also vital.
They help children make sense of the world and develop social skills like sharing,
taking turns and understanding others’ perspectives. Contrary to popular
belief, research indicates a positive relationship between time spent on video
games and a child’s intelligence.
Neha and Smriti teaching Sudoku at Project Enhance, Pune
In sum, a good balance of play is necessary for children to be
healthy. However the opportunities and benefits of quality play for children
are increasingly under threat. Children living in poverty often lack access to
natural & outdoor environments necessary for play and at the same time
those from affluent households are often over-scheduled or over-supervised,
limiting children’s creativity and freedom to explore. With growing
urbanization and institutionalized educational systems, children are less
likely to ask, “Why is the sky blue?” and more likely to ask, “Will this be in
the exam?”. In order for healthy intellectual, emotional and social
development, it is essential that we provide the opportunity and support for
children to play and explore their imagination and creativity. This is why the
Colorss foundation has implemented a good balance of play in day-to-day lives
of children. From playing Sudoku to karate, Colorss has made a massive impact
on the cognitive and emotional wellbeing of youth today. The use of interaction
and creativity, it believes is key to preventing school dropouts, gain
interpersonal skills and drive these children to achieving their dreams.
Ishita teaching Music at Project Enhance, Pune
“Children need the freedom and time to play. Play is not a luxury.
Play is a necessity”-Kay Redfield Jamison.
For Love,
Shama K
References:
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/02/messy-kids-learning-study_n_4373548.html
- Hirst-Pasek, K., & Golinkoff, R. M. (2003). Einstein never used flash cards.
- http://www.importanceofplay.eu/IMG/pdf/dr_david_whitebread_-_the_importance_of_play.pdf
No comments:
Post a Comment