First published: 28 May 2021 @ 12:56 pm
Children love to play. It’s their way of learning about the world. They learn all sorts of things through play. They learn to coordinate their movements and to focus on a task.
They learn how to develop and use their imagination and creativity. They learn to solve problems. They learn to get along with others and how to be a good friend.
Playing together is a great way for kids to learn to communicate to develop their social skills. Here are five of the skills you’re helping your child develop through play:
1. Fine motor skills
Fine motor skills are the small movements in the hands and fingers that help kids perform tasks with their fingers. When kids play with beads and other small objects, they develop the muscles in their hands and fingers. This is especially important for kids that struggle with tasks that require coordination, like handwriting.
2. Hand-eye coordination
Hand-eye coordination is a vital skill for kids to develop as they grow and learn to interact with the world around them. Through play, kids develop the skills they need to learn to catch a ball, throw a ball or kick a ball. They also learn how to hold a pencil or crayon.
3. Social skills
When kids play together, they learn to interact with others. They learn how to share and how to negotiate. They learn how to get along with others and how to make friends. Kids learn how to communicate, and they learn how to compromise and resolve conflicts.
4. Gross motor skills
Gross motor skills are the large movements of the body, like walking and running. Through play, kids develop the skills they need to learn to walk, run, jump and climb.
5. Imagination and creativity
Through play, kids develop their imaginations and learn to use their creativity. They learn to make up stories and games. They imagine what it’s like to be a superhero, or a princess, or a pirate.
They pretend to be animals and monsters. They engage in pretend play. When kids play, they’re using their imaginations and developing their creativity.
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