The many hours that infants and children spend in play are by no means wasted or
merely recuperative in nature. Play may be fun but it is serious business in childhood.
During these hours, the child steadily builds up his competence in dealing with
his environment.
A child who is born into this world is like a special sponge - bursting with an
inner desire to absorb, explore and find out more about the environment into which
he is born.
Play is a course of exploration and discovery, which occupies the most part of a
child's play. It only stops when he is asleep. In essence, PLAY IS A CHILD'S WORK.
Like a working adult who learns to solve problems in the work place in order to
get the work done, the child learns on a small scale through play the skills necessary
for being part of his new environment.
Play influences the physical, mental, social, psychological, emotional and linguistic
developments of the child.
Physical Development
As a child crawls, pulls to stand, walks and runs, he experiences movement. This
movement will facilitate the development of more complex physical coordination such
as being able to use both hands in a particular activity, for instance running.
Hence, the child is required to coordinate the swinging movements between the hands
and legs.
From the 3rd month of the child's life, he initiates movement from the shoulder
and elbow. However, in these early stages, such movements are limited to inaccurate
swiping and hitting. As the child plays with smaller and more complex toys, he begins
to develop the function in the hands.
Play also develops the muscles and strength in the upper and lower limbs.
Mental Development
In imaginative play, a child may pretend to be a nurse, doctor or a fireman. He
may also pretend to cook, sew or have a tea party with his friends. Such imaginative
play stimulates the thinking of the child. This will in turn prepare him for more
complex learning situations when he is older.
Social Development
As children play with one another, they develop an idea of the world around them.
They will learn that there are certain rules which have to be adhered to. These
rules involve socialisation such as taking turns at the slide, making friends, the
act of giving and taking, sharing or just being friendly.
Although initially, the child will seem to be egocentric and always concerned about
himself, he will learn to develop through the guidance of an adult, preferably the
parent.
Psychological Development
A child gains confidence and self-esteem when he plays and experiences fun and success
in the process. Confidence encourages further exploration and drives the child to
experience more challenging activities. Development of confidence will help him
meet challenges as he grows older. The process of meeting these challenges further
develops skills.
Emotional Development
Bonding with parents is part of a child's first stage of emotional development.
There is no substitute for this stage of development. Parents should be involved
as much as possible during play. This will allow the child to experience security
in his new environment. With this secure feeling, the child will be more willing
to move out to explore the world with the assurance that there is always someone
to rely on should things turn sour.
Language Development
Language is the medium by which we translate meanings, our thoughts and feelings.
Language development starts from day one of birth. Initial attempts at communication
are simple and repetitive. As the child develops physically, the language requirements
also increase. Children need words and gestures to express ideas and learn to solve
problems as they experience new and varied sensations. Language is a unique and
wonderful part of play and distinguishes humans as thinking beings in comparison
to animals.
The pre-requisites for language development can be reinforced through play. There
are numerous opportunities to encourage the following through play:
- Eye contact
- Listening skills
- The paying of attention
- The learning to take turns
- Social interaction skills
It is useful to label objects when introducing new words to the child as it will
increase his vocabulary. The meaning of the words are further reinforced by encouraging
the child to handle the object.
Learning Other Concepts
Play also helps children learn and understand basic concepts
such as numbers, colours, and spatial positions (left/right and in/out).
Such concept development is a crucial starting point in a child's development as
it teaches:
- Interaction between objects - how one object is related to another. For instance,
pots and the stove, fork and spoon, a ball and a bat.
- Interaction with materials. For instance, boiling water is hot, ice is cold, cloth
is soft. It helps the child to identify himself with his action and ideas. For instance,
if the child does not like the sensation of heat, he may not want to carry the kettle.
This gives him greater awareness of what he is capable of doing and teaches him
that he can actually do it again.
Understanding the cause and effect relationship. For instance, "If I touch boiling
water, I will get burnt." This is the foundation for problem-solving. By solving
problems and experiencing and learning the rules about the nature of things, the
child learns to adhere to safety rules.
The information is provided by KK Hospital - Singapore’s leading Women and Children’s
Hospital. Please visit www.kkh.com.sg for more information.
