Toys and play are an integral part of learning for children. Children learn about themselves and the world through play with toys and their environment. Playing teaches children fine and gross motor skills, social interaction, solitary play, cognitive concepts, and helps them to develop language skills. Parents need to know to be involved in the children's play time and to encourage time for play by themselves and with others. Parents need to be creative with playtime and let children know playtime is encouraged. Parents do need to make sure that children have the age appropriate toys for their children. When parents select toys, keep in mind the child's age and skill level. Also, what is the child's interests and what is their attention span? Will the child enjoy the toy or will it make them more frustrated and cause them to be more upset than enjoyment? These things need to be considered when finding appropriate toys for children (U.C. Davis Cancer Center, 2006).
Role of Play in Learning
In this picture, the football coaches are teaching the younger players how to prepare for the football game. My youngest son, Eli, is one of the players in this picture. Go Hartselle Tigers!!!