CHILD DEVELOPMENT
EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Play encourages children to develop positive emotional skills and build self-confidence and self-esteem (i.e., risk analysis, conflict resolution and imaginative dramatic play). Kids can use imaginative or pretend play to experience different feelings or outcomes.
PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
Play influences a child’s ability to learn reflexes and movement control, develop fine and gross motor skills, increase flexibility and balance. Play is integral to a child’s learning to crawl, walk, run and jump which leads to improved physical health and fitness.
COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT
Play helps children develop language and reasoning skills, encourages critical thinking and problem solving. A child’s ability to focus and control their behavior is also benefited by play. Play is essential for brain development.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT
The playground may be one of the first social experiences for some children and social skills play an important role in a child’s maturation process. Valuable lessons learned on the playground will provide a foundation for children to develop into socially adjusted, well-adapted adults.
-Based on research conducted by Voice of Play.org.
