We have more sunlight and temperatures are getting warmer. That means families have more time to get outside and play!
Play isn’t just fun. It helps encourage healthy development in children of any age. As an adult, it can be hard to come up with new and exciting ways to entertain and engage children. That’s why 4C for Children’s Learn Through Play calendars are a great resource to find developmentally appropriate activities that you and your child can do together.
Use these ideas to tap into the many benefits of play.
Cognitive Development
Children learn through play! Play allows children to use their senses and promotes exploration and curiosity. Children learn to think creatively when they use their imagination and play pretend. Plus, they develop critical thinking skills through problem-solving and build memory skills.
Physical Development
Children strengthen large muscles, improve balance and coordination when crawling, running and jumping, climbing and catching balls. When children play with their hands by grasping toys, drawing or doing puzzles, they develop fine motor skills and use small muscles in their hands and fingers.
Emotional Development
Play is an outlet for children to let go of anxiety and stress. When a child is playing a game where they pretend to work at a hotel or restaurant, they learn about interacting with guests, taking requests or orders and making payments. This gives them an opportunity to grow their confidence and self-esteem.
Language Development
When a child gets a new toy, like a dinosaur, it’s an opportunity to learn new words. They may learn the word dinosaur or the different types of dinosaurs. They may also use the “roar” when playing the new toy.
Social Development
Parks are great places to swing, slide, run and make friends. Children have that innate ability to walk up to another child and decide they are best friends who love playing together. Playing games like tag and hide and seek are great ways for children to connect while developing social skills.
Don’t forget the magic of play! Remember your best moments of play and show your child. Take them sledding when it snows. Build a blanket fort in the living room. Go outside with other neighborhood families for a game. Just remember to play!