Is play the work of childhood?

“Some people talk about play as if it were a relief from serious learning or even worse: a waste of time. But for children, play is exceedingly serious … and important! In fact, play is a way for children to learn who they are, how the world works, how to solve problems and to express feelings. Yes, play is the real work of childhood, and for young people today, many children’s museums offer play experiences that other settings are not able to give them.” Fred Rogers

Children’s museums use play to encourage children to think for themselves, expand their problem-solving repertoire through creative exploration and exercise their bodies and their minds. Exhibits, programs and workshop provided by the museum are designed to engage children in simple and complex forms of play that result in a strong foundation for learning.

What is play? The Five Elements of Play by Catherine Garvey
Play:
- is pleasurable and enjoyable;
- has no extrinsic goal
- is spontaneous and voluntary;
- involves active engagement; and
- contains a certain element of make-believe.

For more information
www.aap.org/pressroom/play-public.htm
www.nncc.org/Curriculum/better.play.html
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=19212514
www.zerotothree.org/site/PageServer?pagename=key_play

Post Your Comments
What is your favorite play memory as a young child? Share your favorite play story about your child.