Importance of Play Among Children
Play’s importance is so great to youngsters that it has sometimes been called the work of childhood.
Throughout history, kids have spent many happy – and actually very productive – hours at this seemingly insignificant pass time.
Whether inventing imaginary scenarios with friends and siblings, taking pretend journeys with parents ‌
‌ playing tag at summer day camp or racing free in the neighborhood, play allows kids to develop in an incredible variety of ways.
Kids at day camp have an amazing opportunity to spend happy hours in the sunshine ‌
‌ playing with friends while also giving their creativity, health and social skills a big boost.
Kids Need Playtime
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Unfortunately, the amount of time kids spend at play every day has gone down drastically in the last 20 years ‌
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‌ both at school and at home, and the American Academy of Pediatrics has been studying the reasons and impact of this lack of time for free play.
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Even recess at school has been diminished with the constant push for more academic time.
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However, even for kids, a balance of work and play is best, allowing youngsters to grow up happier ‌
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‌ better adjusted and better able to weather the ups and downs of life.
Imagination and Creativity
Play opens the magical doors of imagination, and time spent creating make-believe worlds and scenarios are hours well spent.
Toys like dolls, blocks and costumes light up kids’ imaginations and let them create universes ‌
‌ of their own from makebelieve families to fantasy lands and entire towns.
While playing alone or with others in an imaginary scenario, kids also learn problem solving skills ‌
‌ cooperation with peers and how to confront their fears within a world of their own creation.
Youngsters who are encouraged to use their imagination are better able throughout their lives to “think outside the box�.
Social Skills and Confidence
Playing in a group, as kids do in neighborhoods, summer camps and playgrounds everywhere, lets kids develop a wide range of social skills ‌
‌ allowing them to learn how to share, negotiate, resolve conflicts and advocate for themselves.
When each player is assigned a role in a game, the group as a whole has to figure out who does what, whether it’s a round of hide-and-seek or a make-believe pirate voyage.
When kids are pretending to be doctors, firefighters, explorers, ballerinas and archeologists ‌
‌ they are trying on adult roles and having fun exploring and navigating the grown-up world as they see it.
Physical Health
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Free play is obviously better for kids’ physical health than sitting glued to a screen.
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Running, climbing, skipping and chasing a ball keeps youngsters in great shape, improves coordination and is a super de-stressor.
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Games like tag, hop scotch, dodge ball and jump rope aren’t just fun, they’re setting the stage for a lifetime of enjoying exercise and healthy habits.
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Summer camps provide ideal opportunities for outdoor play on ropes courses, sport courts, beaches, lakefronts and woods.
As a parent, you can help your child reach his or her potential and have fun along the way ‌
WHAT YOU CAN DO?
‌ by allowing them plenty of unscheduled time to be creative, de-stress and just be silly.
WHAT YOU CAN DO?
Kids’ lives don’t have to be jam-packed with dance lessons, after-school sports and other rigidly scheduled activities; a balance is best for everyone.
WHAT YOU CAN DO?
Make sure there’s plenty of time to run around outside and play rather than sit absorbed in front of a television or computer screen.
WHAT YOU CAN DO?
This is particularly problematic for working parents in the summertime when supervision becomes a problem ‌
WHAT YOU CAN DO?
… which is a big reason so many moms and dads choose the supervised outdoor fun of summer day camp …
WHAT YOU CAN DO?
‌ for their youngsters when the long hot days of July and August roll around.
WHAT YOU CAN DO?
Let your kids enjoy the experience of summer day camp at Maplewood Summer Day Camp.
Experienced staff will keep your child both safe and busy with arts and crafts, games, water sports, gymnastics and more.
Experienced staff will keep your child both safe and busy with arts and crafts, games, water sports, gymnastics and more.
Visit the site at www.maplewoodyearround.com to see the fun your child will have at Maplewood Day Camp!
MAPLEWOOD COUNTRY DAY CAMP AND ENRICHMENT CENTER 150 Foundry St. (Route 106) PO Box 88 (Mailing) South Easton, MA 02375 Email: info@maplewoodyearround.com Telephone: (508) 238-2387 FAX: (508) 238-1154