IT’S CHILD’S PLAY Did you know that 90% of a child brain is developed before the age of 5, and this development occurs through play opportunities? Research suggests that opportunities to play are a significant factor related to brain and muscle development, and that purposeful play within the context of nurturing relationships and responsive interactions supports this development of the brain. Play is thought to stimulate imagination and creativity, to encourage problemsolving, and to offer children opportunities to experiment with their understandings and test their theories of how the world works. When children use props or materials to symbolise something else, it allows children to be involved in and be the conductor of their brain development. For example, a block becomes a mobile phone, this can be linked with language and literacy development along with skills in representing ideas and transforming materials. Imaginative play assists children to use objects and events in their play to make sense of the world and understand the process of how things work.
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Play is also thought to be an excellent context for parents to promote vocabulary learning by extending children’s interests and offering opportunities to acquire new words related to their interests through everyday interactions. By using the process of trial and error in their play children are also found to have better thinking abilities, such as the ability to reason and conceptualise actions, and are also more able to transfer learning into problem-solving tasks. Children who engage in imaginative play and fantasy play are found to demonstrate better cognitive control and resilience as they are the organisers and directors of their play. Tips for effective play experiences: •
Use simple toys that encourage imagination and creativity, including household objects such as boxes, blankets, pots and pans, as well as playdough, blocks, sand, paper and crayons. Offer versatile and open-ended dress ups such as capes, scarves and aprons.
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Be available to children as they play. Encourage children in their play trough being involved or questioning the reason why they are playing that character, building that cubby or drawing a particular picture. This engagement is more likely to engage children in cognitively challenging conversations.
