The Value of Play

How blocks and baby dolls contribute to brain development

WRITTEN BY KATIE DOLEN

Play is learning and learning is play! These activities are not separate; they are intertwined and connected to each other like the roots of a tree. And much like water is vital to a tree’s growth, play is essential to a child’s brain development.

From birth through age 5, children’s brains are forming a complex web of synapses that last throughout their lives and greatly impact their social, emotional, physical and cognitive performance as adults.

When children play, whether it’s through block building, art making, dramatic play or any number of modalities, they are developing important skills that they carry into adulthood, such as problem solving, collaboration, communication, perseverance and emotional regulation.

But more important than understanding all the researchbacked, neuroscience jargon telling us how vital play is for children is simply empowering yourself to provide fun and easy play interactions for your child.

When you really think about it, the opportunity for play is all around us. This means that any caregiver can provide playful invitations by using simple everyday objects – and you don’t need a degree in early childhood education. The best part: Toys that spark your child’s imagination don’t need to cost a lot. By drawing a few lines with a black marker, an empty box turns into an animal hospital for stuffies, a rocket ship on its way to Mars or a Formula 1 race car. An unfilled laundry basket is a baby doll crib; turn it upside down and you’ve got a table for a teddy bear tea party. Empty plastic food containers and lids are suddenly stacking blocks, vessels to pour and transfer from, music shakers filled with a few small rocks or a backyard bug hotel. And finally, a pile of freshly laundered socks can turn into a game of sorting and matching or a family of sock puppet tourists visiting Yellowstone National Park.

By giving children open-ended materials and the time to play with them, you’re actually improving their cognitive, physical, social and emotional well-being. When children use their imagination, they have the chance to develop empathy and build resilience. Their language skills increase. They learn independence and collaboration.

At State of Play, young children are encouraged to experiment, hypothesize and share their knowledge with those around them while they play; ultimately validating that their thoughts and ideas are important and have meaning. Their imaginations are fueled by endless provocations and inspiring materials. The 3,000-square-foot “play haven” is filled with opportunities to increase brain development. The various play and art invitations change frequently, providing novelty even if you’re visiting the space weekly.

Families can enjoy playtime together during open playtimes all week long and on weekends at State of Play, Bozeman’s only play and art space. Monthly memberships are available and include unlimited access for the entire family – even grandma! Their after-school drop-off art class is held twice a week from 4-5 p.m. (available for children ages 3-8). There’s even a drop-off date night option every other Friday, giving parents a night off. School applications can be found on their website. No matter when you visit, you can count on interacting with a variety of play and art stations that frequently change depending on the children’s interests and developmental age ranges. Head over to www.stateofplay.co to view their entire schedule.

Katie Dolen, State of Play Co-Founder and Early Childhood Educator