Have you ever watched your toddler become immersed with creating sandcastles at the beach, or playing dress-up with your old clothes or special dress-up clothes of their own? Have you enjoyed playing simple ball games with them starting at a very early age, or watched them run, leap and climb with what seems like boundless energy? It’s extraordinary how much they love to engage, involve themselves, and explore the world around them, by simply playing.
Children Love To Play…Why?
Toddlers and very young children love to play, and it makes sense: it’s primarily how they learn. Early childhood development mainly takes place in the curiosity of mixing different cups of water together or clunking around in Mommy’s old high heels, slips and dresses with friends, playing imaginary games and inventing worlds. Play is helpful in childhood development particularly in the following ways:
Science and math can be introduced to children very early as they play with sand and water, mix cups of liquids together and watch the way liquid moves, and by using different sized containers to see how different fluids and materials fit inside them.
Creativity, imagination and self-expression are informed by playing with clay or dough, drawing and painting, playing dress-up, or playing with dolls
Logic development and learning to put things in order is developed by playing with building blocks.
Strength, flexibility, and coordination skills are all developed through playing ball games, running, dancing, and climbing.
Playing games encourages learning how to take turns, sharing, and socializing skills.
A sense of rhythm, listening and hearing can be developed by playing with simple musical instruments and singing.
Learning in Early Childhood
Learning should always be fun, but it’s especially important at this age. It needs to be about doing things that they like, even if they aren’t things you want to do or you think they are doing them too much — remember, kids love repetition, too, especially at this age! Eventually, they will grow bored of it, and want to engage in a different activity. Try to have patience as your child discovers how the world around them works.
Early childhood development is about learning with all of childrens’ senses. They will often explore things using taste, touch, smell, visual, and auditory cues. They’ll also take behavioral cues from those around them, other children and adults both.
Try not to push them too hard in terms of understanding and exploration. Your child is exploring the world on their terms, and they are learning about it in a very different way than you interpret it! For a toddler, building blocks aren’t used just for making towers, and paint can be used without a brush! Taking the opportunity to see the world through your child’s eyes can reintroduce you to the incredible realm of play and learning through play all over again, too. You will be amazed at what you can learn from your tiny child!
Topping off the importance of play and playtime with your child with an excellent formal education, such as the curricula offered at Early Ivy schools, is the next step to ensure your child is getting a well-rounded education that involves learning at every level. Contact Early Ivy today to learn more about enrolling your child.
