Playing helps your child to make sense of the world around them. Even babies enjoy play. Play is essential for a child's overall development, as it:
- helps develop problem-solving, critical thinking, and decision-making skills
- promotes language development and communication skills
- enhances social skills such as sharing, cooperation, empathy, and understanding different perspectives
- encourages the development of fine and gross motor skills, coordination, and spatial awareness
- provides opportunities for children to learn and practice skills to help manage their feelings and those of others
- supports the formation of positive parent-child relationships, as parents can engage in play with their children and strengthen their bond
- helps reduce stress and anxiety in children, promoting their mental well-being
Resources to support play with your child
- Look, Say, Sing Play - a wonderful guide to play with your baby
- How play helps your child become school ready
- PBS Kids for Parents - lots of play ideas for parents
- The Imagination Tree - wonderful resources and ideas for young children
- Hands on as we grow - ideas for young children
- Home Learning - resources, songs and stories from The Guilford Nursery School
- Easy Peasy App - an app for parents to personalise play for their child