Creating a play environment where children are encouraged to pick up, explore and manipulate objects results in endless learning opportunities. Playing with objects is not only fun at any age, it’s also a key part of a child’s development. According to the National Institute for Play, children who are adept at manipulating and using objects in imaginative play become adults who are successful problem-solvers.
This girl is accomplishing something for a real purpose – building a tree house. Curiosity about the manipulation of objects begins in babyhood, when everything from teething rings to wooden spoons are used as playthings. As children grow and have continued opportunities for object play, their brains become even more adept at understanding and solving problems, such as determining how different construction materials are used to build a secret hideaway in a favourite tree.
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Creating a play environment where children are encouraged to pick up, explore and manipulate objects results in endless learning opportunities.
Dr. Jane Hewes has tips on how adults can create an environment that allows children to explore their environment and learn through play.
Adding food colouring to water is not only a great way to explore different colour combinations, but to allow your child to systemically work through all the possibilities.
