Is play a Child's single most beneficial activity in the early childhood program?

Question

Is play a Child's single most beneficial activity in the early childhood program?

Answer 1

Yes, the best way for children to learn anything is through play.  They learn math skills, language skills, fine motor control, large motor control, social skills, practical life skills, creativity and art concepts, music, hand-eye coordination, beginning science concepts and concepts of time and space through play in a quality early childhood program.  Play is a child's work and they get a great foundation for later learning if they are given the chance to "work" as much as possible with as many different materials as possible.

Answer 2

Absolutely!  In a good preschool classroom the environment is set up for children to explore and experiment.   The teacher makes the classroom a place to learn from labeling shelves to writing names on cubbies, chairs and other items.  Children learn most everything from day to day play.  You want to have a classroom that is full of energy and good opportunities for child socialization between student to student and student to adult.  Teachers should play with the children and ask open ended questions about their play so they can get a feel for what the child is learning and opportunities they need to present so children will learn more.

Answer 3

yes

Answer 4

"Gross motor" and "fine motor" activities are what "play" should consist of. They should have a balance of building with stuff like legos, and puzzles, and bouncing balls and running outside. Their minds and bodies are growing rapidly.

Answer 5

Yes. Social interaction between children engages them with one another. This doesn't just spark friendships, but open opinions. This is necessary as the child reaches school age and needs to share opinions and grasp concepts.

Answer 6

Definitely. It keeps the child's mind active as well as healthy. That's where a child can express herself and develop. Take babies for example after nappies, feeding and bathing what else to do but to play with them.

Answer 7

yes, children learn through "play."

Answer 8

Play is a child's work. Life's lesson are learned through playing. Play time should be both teacher guided and unorganized free play.