T HE I MPORTANCE OF P LAY Chapter 24

P LAY AND D EVELOPMENT Physically – Play helps children strengthen their muscles. Intellectually – Play teaches children about their environment – shapes, sizes, numbers, etc. Emotionally – Play helps children learn how to reach out to others and give and receive love. Socially – Play teaches children how to make and maintain relationships and resolve conflict. Morally – Play teaches children how their actions affect others.

Activities that are primarily physical and use large motor skills Climbing Riding a tricycle Chasing around park Jumping on trampoline They need active play to release energy and develop large muscles. Activities that engage the mind and small- motor skills. Reading Modeling clay Painting Quiet play helps them to develop small muscles and to think in different ways. Active PlayQuiet Play

I NFANTS AND P LAY Infants need sensory-play opportunities Sensory toys – objects that stimulate the senses with different textures, shapes, sounds, and colors. Mobiles Toys that squeak and rattle Teething rings Objects should not have sharp edges or parts small enough to swallow! They are most interested in seeing faces and hearing voices. No toy can replace this contact!

T ODDLERS AND P LAY Toddlerhood is an active time. They enjoy: Running Jumping Balancing Climbing Puzzles Stacking blocks Pretend play

P RESCHOOLERS AND P LAY Preschoolers increase the variety of play as their skills become more complex. Coloring Drawing Creating collages Puzzles Pretend play Imaginary playmates