Overview
Many activities that children consider fun play are in fact building their physical development. With childhood obesity a growing problem, encouraging play among children is becoming increasingly important for both parents and teachers. Play strengthens the body and also teaches coordination and confidence.
Types
Play includes many types of activity, although in the context of physical development, it usually refers to activities involving gross motor skills. MissouriFamilies.org says pulling up, swinging and throwing bean bags are activities that build upper body strength while jumping and balancing develop the lower body. However, any physical activity in which the child is active in a relatively unstructured environment could be called play.
Play Styles
Each child has his own style of play, and activities vary widely by age. According to an article in Early Childhood Today, unstructured playtime for toddlers is important. They need to be left alone to practice new skills that take time to master, such as going up and down stairs. But it is also important for preschoolers and kindergartners to be given slightly more structured time where they are given the freedom to move into and develop their own play setting.
Get it Started
In the fight against childhood obesity, a study published in 2009 in the Journal of Early Intervention found that teacher-implemented playtime activities spurred an increase in physical activity. In many cases, however, children will initiate play on their own when presented with a fun environment. MissouriFamilies.org says parents should not pressure but should present children with challenging activities. Development should not be treated as a race as all children develop at their own rate and, for most, mastering new skills takes some time.
What is Happening
While it may look like just a good time is being had, according to early childhood educator Walter F. Drew in Scholastic Parent & Child magazine, free unstructured play is actually developing skills from making friends and negotiating to problem solving, thinking creatively and practicing self control. These are skills vital for success at school and also for life in general. Physically, Drew says, play builds not only strength but coordination, competence and what he calls a sense of body awareness in space. Health and healthy weight are no small benefits.
Expert Tips
Parents and teachers can encourage free play in a variety of ways. Drew recommends turning off electronic gadgets and taking children to a park or playground every day. He also stresses the importance of keeping play dates with other children. If the child appears to be doing something meaningless like just staring at the clouds, Drew says to resist the urge to redirect her attention. The important thing, according to Drew, is that children play, since that is what makes them happiest.
