According to Marks Tarlow-(The American Journal of Play),
“Play is a vital human instinct crucial to child development and maintains an important role in mental and physical health throughout the human lifespan.” Play is how children make sense of the world. Play is an effective method of learning for young children. The developmental literature is very clear. Play stimulates physical, social, emotional and cognitive development in young children.Children need time, inviting spaces, rich materials, and the wonderful support of our JK families, and thoughtful skilled educators, in order to become master players. Providing children with the opportunities and explorations through play has multiple benefits, some of which are:
- Play builds the imagination
- Play promotes social skills
- Play advances physical development
- Play helps children work through emotions
“Our children need time to play for the sake of playing.” By: Jane Hewes