Play in Hinckley and Bosworth
Why is play so important?
Everyone needs to play, it is part of growing up. Children and young people need different opportunities to play in different ways at different times. Their play may vary depending on their age, culture, ability and circumstances.
Play is the fundamental way that children enjoy their childhood. It is essential to their quality of life as children. Play can be sociable or solitary, it can help children to climb, swing, gallop and chase. It can help them to try things out, test boundaries, develop confidence, ride a bike, explore and experiment.
Play lets children move through each stage of their development naturally allowing them to make friends, come to terms with difficulties, follow their instincts, think and learn from others.
Playing is fun:
- Play is how children enjoy themselves
- Play promotes children’s development, learning, imagination, creativity and independence
- Play can help to keep children healthy and active
- Play allows children to experience and encounter boundaries, learning to assess and manage risk in their lives; both physical and social
- Play helps children to understand the people and places in their lives, learn about their environment and develop their sense of community
- Play allows children to find out about themselves, their abilities, their interests and the contribution they can make
- Play can be therapeutic. It helps children to deal with difficult or painful circumstances such as emotional stress or medical treatment
- Play can be a way of building and maintaining important relationships with friends, carers and family members
Play also:
- Helps develop more efficient brains by enhancing cortical connections
- Contributes directly to good physical and mental well-being
- Helps children experience control over their world
- Contributes to resilience and problem-solving
- Is undertaken for the pleasure it affords, helps with overcoming stress and aids learning and creativity
Last updated: 21/09/2023 13:07
