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| Education & Learning
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The Power of Play
Play is FUN, but play is also educational
When your little one plays on her own, she:
• Builds learning capabilities She develops a sense of the three-dimensional world, which, in turn, sets the foundation for mathematical and scientific knowledge. She also gains language skills by interacting with peers in activities like riddles and rhymes.
• Boosts creativity A child uses her imagination to create and explore a new world and conquer her fears. She gains confidence by learning to think out of the box in order to deal with situations or solve problems.
• Enhances communication skills She develops socially acceptable behaviour. Through her interactions, she learns to express her views and feelings, share and resolve conflicts. She also practises decision-making skills and finds out how to work in a group.
• Improves motor abilities She hones her gross (through outdoor activities and games) and fine motor skills (through manipulative play and practical life activities).
• Develops a strong, enduring relationship between a child and her parents Play allows parents to engage fully with their child and gain insights into her world for more effective communication. The child also feels secure when she realises that her parents are paying attention to her.
Just For Fun
Stumped over how to play with your tot? Check out these suggestions.
1. Pretend Play Use items like an empty cardboard box, a doll and building blocks and ask your child to guess, for example, what the box is. Answers can range from a train to a house. Some preschoolers may even offer a pretend script based on experiences or the lifestyles of the adults in their lives.
2. Physical Play Activities like soccer and swimming help your child discover and practise his gross and fine motor skills.
3. Sensory Play Junior will have fun playing with pudding and pastry dough, by scooping, smashing, pouring and mashing these mixtures of varying consistencies. Also try clay and sand, where she will learn how to create and identify various shapes and sizes.
4. Creative Arts Play Activities such as dance and drama allows your child to have fun expressing herself through various musical styles and tempos.
5. Art and Painting Let him draw and colour whatever he likes and imagines. Best of all, it is up to him to direct the project.
Play To Learn
Bestselling parenting author Dr Kathy Hirsch-Pasek tells us that a toddler’s playtime sets the stage for an adult with a love for learning.
Dr Kathy Hirsch-Pasek may be a world-leading child psychologist, but as a mum-of-three, she understands full well the tough choices parents make trying to provide the best learning opportunities for their children.
Indeed, as director of the Infant Language Laboratory, Department of Psychology, at Philadelphia’s Temple University in the US, she has spearheaded numerous studies on preschool learning. One study found that children who underwent formal teaching at an early age (3 or 4 years) tended to be less creative when they entered primary school, experienced more anxiety about tests and eventually, lost the academic advantage they started with.
Her bestseller, Einstein Never Used Flash Cards: How Our Children Really Learn – And Why They Need To Play More And Memorize Less, won the prestigious Books for Better Life Award (Best Psychology Book) in 2003.
Mother & Baby (M&B) Tell us about the inspiration for your bestselling book.
Dr Hirsch-Pasek (HP) The seeds of this book were first planted during the mid-1980s, when I was a junior professor doing research on “hurried children”. I’d hosted Professor David Elkind of Tufts University, who, during his talk, expressed his worry about preschoolers being whisked off to adult-oriented activities, such as computer classes and soccer leagues. As a parent, I understood the importance of finding more downtime with my children and enjoying more playtime. Yet, I also felt the pain of hurried parents, and worried that my children would be left behind in the route to success. For instance, it was tough to say “No” to co-ed ballroom dance classes at a country club, which many of my friends’ children participated in. But I’ve since learnt from my children that they treasured their playtime. My children remembered fondly about playing inside a box, turning it into their secret hideaway. I don’t think they have suffered socially for not learning the foxtrot!
M&B Why was it important to share this message?
HP Many parents are racing to help their child get ahead in this increasingly fast-paced and competitive world. During the process, I discovered that there was a lot of misrepresentation of scientific evidence, which resulted in many myths about early childhood learning. By writing this book, I hoped to share the correct information with teachers and parents about how their child really learns, and how they can effectively help him or her enjoy learning.
M&B What, to you, are essential elements in early childhood learning?
HP Experiential learning is essential, to provide a child with opportunities to sample different experiences, get to know others and understand the concept of responsibility, among other things. Children who develop a passion for learning are most likely to fare better in their studies because they are aware of what and how they are receiving and applying the knowledge.
M&B Some parents try to give their children a head-start in learning by signing them up for enrichment courses and using flashcards, among others. What’s your take on it?
HP In order to make learning fun for your child, always remember that memory work is never as important as understanding how it works. Kids are explorers by nature, and parents should function as guides to help make their journey more effective and fruitful.
M&B Any advice for parents who want to help boost their kids’ academic development?
HP Educating your child is part of the parenting experience. Avoid turning it into an onerous affair - if you aren’t having fun, then how can you expect your child to have fun?
If you have any comments or practical suggestions, write to us at editor@family.sg
- Mother & Baby
Grab your latest issue at all major newsstands and bookstores today!
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