Social, Emotional, Physical
and Cognitive Development
Social Development
Play develops the executive function. (impulse control, task initiation, delayed gratification)
When children play in groups they learn to share, communicate, cooperate, and collaborate. These are all 21st Century Skills!
Without play there are more behavior problems in the classroom. This is especially true for boys because sedentary learning is more difficult for them.
Children can learn to play different roles and practice life skills.
Play is essential for building relationships with parents, teachers, and friends.
Play helps children adjust to school.
Children can learn to solve their own problems through play.
Emotional Development
Play builds self-confidence.
Play provides children with the opportunity to master their world.
Play releases dopamine which makes children happy. It is an antidote for depression.
Children tell us things through their play because it serves as a bridge between fantasy and reality.
Play can relieve stress and help children manage their emotions.
Children can express new insights and be creative through play.
Play nurtures children’s individual talents and interests.
When playing children learn to experiment and take risks.
Children can develop self-help skills and independence when they play
Physical Development
Physical play builds healthy bodies and reduces the risk of obesity.
Play develops large motor skills as well as small motor skills.
Unstructured outdoor play can reduce ADHD and even improve test scores.
Cognitive Development
Through play children learn to understand the world.
Play develops language skills and vocabulary.
Play allows children to plan and make decisions.
Block building lays the groundwork for mathematical thinking.