HOW CAN PLAY BENEFIT THE CHILD?
Brain researchers, pediatricians, educators, child psychologists, and theorists all agree that we must protect and preserve PLAY! It is interesting that there is no evidence that children who read at five are better readers than those that learn at six or seven. Study after study reports that children from play-based classes excelled in reading, math, and social and emotional adjustments. They also seemed to fare better as adults in work. (Crisis in Kindergarten)
Brain Growth
When children play, their whole brain is stimulated. Play is multi-sensory, engaging, creative, and joyful. (How many of the senses are actually stimulated when a child plays a computer game?)
Dewar (Cognitive Benefits of Play) reports the following:
• Play improves memory and stimulates the growth of the cerebral cortex.
• Play and exploration trigger the secretion of BDNR, a substance essential for the growth of brain cells.
• Kids pay more attention to academic tasks when they are given frequent, brief opportunities for free play.
(Note, studies show that PE classes are not as effective as recess for cognitive benefits. PE is too structured, but a recess break can be truly playful.)
• There is a link between play and the development of language skills.
• Math skills benefit from play.
John Ratey argues that more physical fitness will lower obesity and improve academic performance. “Exercise stimulates the gray matter to produce Miracle-Gro for the brain… Dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine are elevated after exercise.” These can help with focus, calming down, and impulsivity.
Ginsburg notes: “Studies have found that children who engage in dramatic games of make-believe develop stronger language skills, better social skills, and more imagination than children who do not play this way.”
