There’s no doubt about it: play comes naturally to kids. But what makes it so important?
“Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning.” – Diane Ackerman
Every element of life requires play. We evolved through play. Our culture thrives on play. Language is play with words. Relationships include rituals and practices of play. Ideas are playful explorations of the mind.
Play is such a casual and fun concept to us that we can take it for granted, but the truth is: The more we want to learn, the more we need to play. It invites problem-solving, allows us to test our limits and develop strategies. We may think of play as optional, but truthfully? Play is fundamental.
Here some of the main ways play benefits children in particular:
- Increases self-awareness, self-esteem and self-respect
- Improves and maintains physical and mental health
- Gives the opportunity to mix with other children
- Increases confidence through the development of new skills
- Promotes imagination, independence and creativity
- Offers opportunities for children of all abilities and backgrounds to play together
- Provides opportunities for developing social skills and learning
- Builds resilience through risk taking and challenge, problem solving, and dealing with new and novel situations
- Provides opportunities to learn about the environment and the wider community
“Play is not a luxury. Play is a necessity.” – Kay Redfield Jamison
Our modern playgrounds are equipped with a range of apparatus combining different textures, materials, shapes and colors to help stimulate children. By encouraging mental, emotional, physical and sensory development, playgrounds play a vital role for children as they discover the world, and their place in it.
It’s through group play that kids are able to build their social network and learn cultural rules. It isn’t just kids having fun with one another—it’s teaching them about real-life relationships and helping them to prepare for a lifetime of interacting with others.
We believe in #ThePowerOfPlay.