Play is to a toddler what work is to an adult; the only difference being that toddlers enjoy it! Toddlers are naturally inclined to play and eager to incorporate it into their lives with gay abandon. At this stage of development, toddlers are naturally drawn to play-with heightened curiosity and an innate sense of purpose.
The primary importance of play is that it encourages toddlers to concentrate, use their imagination and learn many new skills. It is most important to the child's learning process. To a toddler, play is not only a fun activity, but an exciting and invigorating adventure into the realms of effective learning.
Through play, toddlers absorb new ideas from the environment by taking in whatever appears interesting. Children learn best when they engage in activities what they really like. This type of play, called free play needs ongoing encouragement from parents and caregivers - - -after which they could be introduced to structured play in nursery and pre-schools.
Let us examine some of the vital aspects of why play is so important to a toddler:
* Develops Intelligence
Play is a highly effective medium through which children learn to exercise their minds and develop their intelligence making full use of their mental faculties. Their mental faculties are thus promoted as they begin to concentrate and seek out bits and pieces of information while exploring the environment.
* Develops imagination
Play offers toddlers a wider scope for imagination as they eagerly experiment with dozens of objects that are found in every home using like plastic boxes, jars, bottles, old pots and pans and lids. A sense of inventiveness is created as toddlers enjoy turning these objects for their playful use. They also enjoy creating meaningful figures by manipulating clay, sand and finger-paint-all of which develops their imagination and intelligence.
* Develops motor skills
Play activities develop gross and fine motor skills in toddlers. As they begin to use their large muscles by running, jumping, hopping, climbing, skipping, throwing and catching ball, their basic motor skills are developed. In the process, they also learn what they can do with their bodies as they twist, tumble, skip, shake, roll and dance. Toddlers also develop fine motor skills while playing with beads, shells, building blocks, cubes and construction sets.
* Develops social interaction
Around this period, toddlers begin to take interest and seek companionship with other kids their age. Play teaches toddlers ways of how to socialize and get along with other kids. As kids get together for a play date at home or in the park, they learn how to behave, inter-act, share their playthings get along, share and negotiate for toys or other play things.
* Emotional development
Play helps toddlers to develop and better handle their emotions. It offers opportunities to toddlers to work out their fears while gaining emotional control and getting rid of anxieties. For example, while playing in a group setting, toddlers learn how to accept disappointment at not always getting what they want, how to settle disputes and not to insist on always having their own way.
* Conclusion
In homes where play is freely encouraged, the minds and personalities of children develop effectively to its fullest potential; soon these toddlers are ready to forge ahead, to the next stage of development. Play also inculcates habits of orderliness and discipline in toddlers as they learn the concept that their toys, games and playthings need care and attention and cannot be used in a disruptive manner. Play is indeed most valuable to toddlers as it has a powerful impact on all aspects of the toddler’s learning process. It encompasses and caters to a toddler’s social, emotional and physical needs.
Sources:
Learning through Play by Jean Marzollo and Janice Lloyd
The Pre-School Child’s Learning Process by Edward Rosenberg and Dr.