How Play Supports Brain Development in Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers - post

Why Is Play Considered the "Work" of Childhood?

Have you ever watched a child #playing with blocks? They stack them up, knock them down, and stack them again. It looks like just fun. But inside their brain, something amazing is happening. For young children, play is not a break from #learning. Play is learning.

Scientists often say that play is the "work" of childhood. When children play, they are like little scientists. They are testing ideas. They are solving problems. They are learning how the world works.

For child care providers, knowing how play helps the brain is very important. It helps you plan better activities. It helps you explain to parents why the children are "just playing" all day. It helps you support #healthy #BrainDevelopment.

How Does Play Build the Brain?

A baby is born with billions of brain cells. These cells are called neurons. But these cells need to be connected to work well. Every time a baby sees, hears, or touches something, a connection is made. These connections are called synapses. 

Imagine the brain is like a house under construction. The neurons are the bricks. Play is the cement that holds the bricks together.

• Repetition: When a child plays the same game over and over, the connections get stronger.
• New Experiences: When a child tries something new, the brain makes new connections.
• Joy: When a child is happy and having fun, the brain releases chemicals that help them remember better.

If a child does not play, their brain does not build as many strong connections. This is why a rich learning environment is so critical in the early years.

How Do Infants Learn Through Play? 

For babies (birth to 1 year), play is very sensory. This means they use their eyes, ears, mouths, and hands. They are learning that they can make things happen.

One of the most important games for babies is "Serve and Return." This is like a game of tennis, but with smiles and sounds.

1. The Serve: The baby coos or points at a toy.
2. The Return: You smile back and say, "Do you see the red ball?"

This simple game builds the foundation for #language and social skills. Tummy time is another form of play. It helps babies build strong muscles so they can eventually crawl and explore.

Dating back to the 1800s, theorists and researchers alike have discovered that play is essential in child development. But what exactly does play do in the context of learning? The Course Role of Play in Learning will answer your question!

What Does Play Look Like for Toddlers?

Toddlers (1 to 3 years) are busy! They are starting to understand how objects work. They love cause-and-effect toys. This means if they push a button, a light turns on. If they drop a cup, it makes a noise.

Toddlers engage in "constructive play." This means building things. They stack blocks or pour sand into a bucket. This helps them understand #math-concepts like size, weight, and gravity.

They are also starting to #pretend. You might see a toddler hold a banana to their ear and say, "Hello?" This is a huge step for the brain. It means they understand symbols. They know the banana represents a phone. This is the beginning of abstract thinking.

How Do Preschoolers Play Differently?

By the time children are 3 to 5 years old, their play becomes more social. They move from playing near other children (parallel play) to playing with other children (cooperative play).

Preschoolers love dramatic play. They create whole worlds. They become doctors, chefs, or superheroes. This type of play is hard work for the brain! It requires "executive function."

Executive function skills include:

• Working Memory: Remembering the rules of the game ("I am the baby, so I have to cry").
• Self-Control: Waiting for a turn to use the toy stove.
• Flexible Thinking: Changing the plan if someone else wants to be the doctor.

These skills are essential for success in school and life. When children act out a story, they are practicing how to control their impulses and work as a team. This is #LearningThroughPlay at its best.

What Is the Role of the Teacher? 

You might think that because children play naturally, you do not need to do anything. But the #teacher plays a very big role. You are the architect of their play.

Your job is to:

• Observe: Watch what the children are interested in.
• Scaffold: Help them reach the next level. If a child is building a tower that keeps falling, you can ask, "What would happen if we put the big blocks on the bottom?"
• Provide Time: Children need long blocks of time to get into deep play. If you interrupt them every 10 minutes, they cannot focus.

If you want to master the skill of planning a play-based curriculum, check out our course From Play to Planning: Building Culturally Competent, Child-Centered Curriculum.

How Can You Create a Play-Rich Environment?

The room itself helps the children play. A good classroom has different "zones" or centers. You should have a quiet reading corner, a loud block area, and a messy art station.

Make sure materials are at the children's eye level. They should be able to reach toys without asking for help. This teaches them independence.

Also, try to use "loose parts." These are materials that are not toys, like pinecones, buttons, or cardboard tubes. Loose parts let children use their imagination more than a toy that only does one thing.

We have a great Activity Guide available in our #free resources section. It can give you fresh ideas for setting up your play centers.

• ChildCareEd Free Resources

Are You Ready to Play?

Play is serious business for the brain. It builds the pathways for thinking, reading, and getting along with others. As a child care provider, you are the guardian of this precious time.

When you sit on the floor and join a tea party, you are not just having fun. You are building a brain. You are helping a child learn to speak, think, and feel.

Keep observing and asking questions. Keep changing your environment to spark new interests. And most importantly, remember that every moment of play is a moment of growth.

For more tips on setting up your classroom, read our article about creating engaging learning spaces.

• Read More: Educational Articles

Join the conversation with other #EarlyChildhoodEducation professionals online. We love to see photos of the amazing play happening in your centers!

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