Why is play important in children and the importance of it in a childs development?

Question

Why is play important in children and the importance of it in a childs development?

Answer 1

Its is because if you do not play with the child it feels alone and may feel unimportant.

Answer 2

Play is so important in the physical, moral, emotional, and cognitive development of early childhood. It teaches them how to interact with others, it enhances their imaginations which in turn develops their cognitive perception. It gives them a sense of role play and how to act in the "real world." Play also refines the motor skills--fine motor skills and gross motor skills. It allows them to exercise and most importantly: develop relationships.

Answer 3

Play encourages cognitive development...that is how children learn and impacts brain development (social, language, emotion, etc). Do a web search, there is tons of information.

Answer 4

Play is essential for young children; through play children are constantly learning, because they are choosing what they want to do, therefore are following their interests, therefore are engaged in what they are doing and the learning comes from that.  For example, a child pushing cars down a ramp is exploring movement and speed which can be related to Sciences; a child 'scribbling' is exploring mark making and developing fine motor control; a child painting is developing their Creative and Physical development, learning about colours/colour mixing and developing fine and gross motor control; a child playing with a doll's house is developing their creativity and imaginative play; if they are playing in a group they are probably developing their Personal, Social and Emotional Development, in particular sharing, engaging/interacting with others, making relationships.  In terms of Educational settings, one session of play in an informal learning environment can be related to many areas of learning, whereas in a formal learning environment a child is likely to be achieving only one desired goal at a time, because the lesson will be planned based on one specific objective - the objectives of learning through play are limitless (especially if you include adult interaction to scaffold children's learning).  Could go on and on about the importance of play but am too tired, it's been a long day!  If you have more specific questions or want me to elaborate, email me at [e-mail]