Play is widely accepted to be the most important activity of childhood. Through play, children develop skills that help them interpret sensory information to understand what is happening in their world and see the potential for fun around them.
Babies and toddlers especially need the adults around them to support their play with simple, playful interactions. As children grow, if they struggle with their development or when we want to find joyful ways to promote learning, play can be a powerful way to support their skill development.
Through play using age-appropriate and developmentally appropriate activities, children can build the following:
· Sensory-motor skills
· Cognitive skills
· Emotional development
Creating playful interactions and activities offers children self-directed opportunities to focus attention on their own goals, use executive function skills to develop and plan how to achieve those goals, and emotional well-being of time spent on rewarding tasks. Children may return back to rewarding play, using it as a way to practice adaptability and resilience as they find more opportunities for challenge and success on their own or with family and friends.
The progression from adult-led play for younger children to independent play with peers for older children emphasises the gradual development of autonomy and social skills. The resources attached below can be part of a comprehensive therapy approach supporting parenting through the senses and highlights the natural evolution of play as a tool for building confidence, fostering creativity, and nurturing essential problem-solving abilities.
This handout series sounds like a valuable resource for guiding adults on how to support children’s sensory-motor, cognitive and emotional development through play.
Brain-Building Through Play – across the ages 0 – 17 years
Activities for Infants, Toddlers, and Children 0 – 17 years