The Importance of Learning Through Play — Edx Education
According to a report written by the UK National Trust, the areas within a home that a child is allowed to roam around freely has decreased by 90% since the 1970’s. As new parents, we want to keep our children safe. The only issue is that sometimes this compromises their ability to learn how to t rust themselves in decision making.
TRY THIS! As parents, we can allow more time for independent play or reduce the amount of planned activities for our children. We can guide play by creating an inviting play space. In our home, playing with water is a huge hit. You can include a water tray like this one from Edx Education (and use it either inside or outside your home). Offer tools such a a ladle, strainers, measuring cups, bowls or funnels. Animal figurines, rocks, sticks, or loose parts such as these rainbow pebbles or sensory pebbles are also great additions. Then step back and let your child guide play!
We can take small steps when it comes to risk taking. A study showed that over 70% know the importance of risky play but seldom engage their child in forms of risky play. There are 6 categories of risky play including: heights, high speed, play with dangerous tools (e.g., hammer, saw), play near dangerous elements (e.g., water, fire), rough-and-tumble play (e.g., play fighting) and play where children can disappear or get lost (known as independent mobility) (Jelleyman Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2019).
TRY THIS! We tend to say “No!” To toddlers a lot because many parts of our home can be dangerous. Try creating a yes space. For instance, if they can open most of the cupboards and drawers in your kitchen, create one space that is their own. Add child safe dishes or plastic containers in this drawer. When they try to open a drawer or cupboard you can say “Not this drawer, but you CAN open this one!”.
In our home, we have these Step a Trails/Forest from Edx Education. They are a fantastic introduction to risky play with babies and toddlers (my older kids love them too!). When your toddler climbs the furniture, you can say “No, you can’t climb the sofa but you CAN climb your forest stone!
Exposure to nature can be protective of a child’s mental health (Piccininni et al. Preventative Medicine 2018.) Even as parents, when we are having a difficult day, being outside can regulate us. The outdoors stimulate many of our senses (sights, sounds, smells etc). Our senses are connected to the emotional parts of the brain which is why part of mindfulness and meditation uses imagery with out senses to help calm us.
TRY THIS! A study showed that as little as 30 min per week spent outdoors promoted well being in teens (REF). The most important factor was feeling connected to nature, which is something we can help our children develop by being outside, appreciating nature and discussing the importance of caring for nature. When spending time outdoors with your child, take the time to look at the tree, grab a leaf off the floor and touch it, smell a flour or listen to the call of a bird. Express gratitude. This will help your child with emotion regulation and will help them appreciate nature.
I hope this encourages you to play!
