One of the joys of the playground is watching the boys engage in play. This is one of the most precious times as a child, in fact, play has been recognised by the United Nations High Commission for Human Rights as a right of every child.

The overriding premise is that play (or some available free time in the case of older children and adolescents) is essential to the cognitive, physical, social, and emotional well-being of children and youth. Play allows children to use their creativity while developing their imagination, dexterity, and physical, cognitive, and emotional strength.

Play is important to healthy brain development. It is through play that children at a very early age engage and interact in the world around them. Play allows children to create and explore a world they can master, conquering their fears while practicing adult roles, sometimes in conjunction with other children or adult caregivers. As they master their world, play helps children develop new competencies that lead to enhanced confidence and the resiliency they will need to face future challenges. Undirected play allows children to learn how to work in groups, to share, to negotiate, to resolve conflicts, and to learn self-advocacy skills.

Play is integral to the academic environment. It ensures the social and emotional development of children as well as their cognitive development. It has been shown to help children adjust to the school setting and even to enhance children’s learning readiness, learning behaviors, and problem-solving skills.

Aleca Bradshaw – Learning Enhancement

Milteer, Regina M., et al. “The importance of play in promoting healthy child development and maintaining strong parent-child bond” Pediatrics 129.1 (2012): e204-e213.