Play isn’t a luxury it’s essential for child development
Play is a child’s natural form of self-expression, it’s innate and natural and It’s how they process, express and explore the world. Unfortunately, more and more over the last 5 years I’ve seen organic, free play replaced by screen time, adult-led routines and academic pressure and we are seeing the consequences in our classrooms and homes.
Without play, children miss essential stages of development. Play activates areas of the brain linked to problem solving, memory, empathy and regulation. When children build, pretend, imagine and interact freely, their brain lights up in a way that isn’t easily replicable by anything else so easily. It is the fastest mode for them to learn (this includes 11-year-olds!!) It builds brain pathways, enhances concentration, attention, fine motor skills, co-ordination, social skills, self-esteem, positive self-image and resilience. It is like the superfood of childhood!
But if they miss out on it, play on technology instead… if we push formal learning too early or fill their days with passive entertainment, we deny them the opportunity to develop emotional intelligence, creativity and resilience. We are literally impacting how their brain will develop and hinder their skills for life.
We’re now seeing children who:
– Struggle to express or regulate feelings
– Lack social confidence or imaginative thinking
– Have lower attention spans and difficulty adapting to challenge
The World Health Organization even lists play as a basic human right for children. Because play isn’t just “fun” — it’s essential for the brain!
What can we do?
Schools and parents:
- Provide opportunities to play across all year groups — not just for little ones
- Provide open ended resources like sand, water, dress-up and den making kits outside on the playground or at home – provide as many as you can and create ‘zones’ they can play with
- Encourage real play and reduce online play wherever possible
- Give them opportunities to play without adult intervention and control – let them use their imaginations and solve their own problems
More:
Read: Helping your child play more this summer