Brain Growth
When children play, their whole brain is stimulated. Play is multi-sensory, engaging, creative, and joyful. (How many of the senses are actually stimulated when a child plays a computer game?)
Dewar (Cognitive Benefits of Play) reports the following:Play improves memory and stimulates the growth of the cerebral cortex.
Play and exploration trigger the secretion of BDNR, a substance essential for the growth of brain cells.
Kids pay more attention to academic tasks when they are given frequent, brief opportunities for free play.
(Note, studies show that PE classes are not as effective as recess for cognitive benefits. PE is too structured, but a recess break can be truly playful.)
(Note, studies show that PE classes are not as effective as recess for cognitive benefits. PE is too structured, but a recess break can be truly playful.)
There is a link between play and the development of language skills.
Math skills benefit from play.
John Ratey argues that more physical fitness will lower obesity and improve academic performance. “Exercise stimulates the gray matter to produce Miracle-Gro for the brain… Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are elevated after exercise.” These can help with focus, calming down, and impulsivity.
Ginsburg notes: “Studies have found that children who engage in dramatic games of make-believe develop stronger language skills, better social skills, and more imagination than children who do not play this way.”
Social Development
Play develops the executive function. (impulse control, task initiation, delayed gratification)
When children play in groups they learn to share, communicate, cooperate, and collaborate. These are all 21st Century Skills!
Without play there are more behavior problems in the classroom. This is especially true for boys because sedentary learning is more difficult for them.
Children can learn to play different roles and practice life skills.
Play is essential for building relationships with parents, teachers, and friends.
Play helps children adjust to school.
Children can learn to solve their own problems through play.
Math skills benefit from play.
John Ratey argues that more physical fitness will lower obesity and improve academic performance. “Exercise stimulates the gray matter to produce Miracle-Gro for the brain… Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are elevated after exercise.” These can help with focus, calming down, and impulsivity.
Ginsburg notes: “Studies have found that children who engage in dramatic games of make-believe develop stronger language skills, better social skills, and more imagination than children who do not play this way.”
Social Development
Play develops the executive function. (impulse control, task initiation, delayed gratification)
When children play in groups they learn to share, communicate, cooperate, and collaborate. These are all 21st Century Skills!
Without play there are more behavior problems in the classroom. This is especially true for boys because sedentary learning is more difficult for them.
Children can learn to play different roles and practice life skills.
Play is essential for building relationships with parents, teachers, and friends.
Play helps children adjust to school.
Children can learn to solve their own problems through play.
Emotional Development
Play builds self-confidence.
Play provides children with the opportunity to master their world.
Play releases dopamine which makes children happy. It is an antidote for depression.
Children tell us things through their play because it serves as a bridge between fantasy and reality.
Play can relieve stress and help children manage their emotions.
Children can express new insights and be creative through play.
Play nurtures children’s individual talents and interests.
When playing children learn to experiment and take risks.
Children can develop self-help skills and independence when they play
Play builds self-confidence.
Play provides children with the opportunity to master their world.
Play releases dopamine which makes children happy. It is an antidote for depression.
Children tell us things through their play because it serves as a bridge between fantasy and reality.
Play can relieve stress and help children manage their emotions.
Children can express new insights and be creative through play.
Play nurtures children’s individual talents and interests.
When playing children learn to experiment and take risks.
Children can develop self-help skills and independence when they play
Physical Development
Physical play builds healthy bodies and reduces the risk of obesity.
Play develops large motor skills as well as small motor skills.
Unstructured outdoor play can reduce ADHD and even improve test scores.
Cognitive Development
Through play children learn to understand the world.
Play develops language skills and vocabulary.
Play allows children to plan and make decisions.
Block building lays the groundwork for mathematical thinking.
Physical play builds healthy bodies and reduces the risk of obesity.
Play develops large motor skills as well as small motor skills.
Unstructured outdoor play can reduce ADHD and even improve test scores.
Through play children learn to understand the world.
Play develops language skills and vocabulary.
Play allows children to plan and make decisions.
Block building lays the groundwork for mathematical thinking.
