Why Learning Through Play Matters!

Westfield-Nursery-CityWalk-NurseryBlog Playing is integral to your little one’s early development. Simple games like hide and seek might not seem like more than a way of passing the time, but it is through such games that your child develops language and communication skills. They will need those skills for the rest of their lives. The United Nations High Commission for Human Rights recognizes the act of playing as every child’s right. That’s how vital the activity is to the child’s physical, cognitive, and social development.

So why is learning through play that important for your child? Keep reading for comprehensive answers.

Because children talk as they play, it allows them to improve their speech and listening skills. Even when they are playing alone, they are still inclined to self-talk as they maneuver through different toys (e.g., “I’m driving my car down the road”).
Kids add resolve to their play through communicating. The more a child is exposed to a wide range of vocabulary, the better their communication.
Sometimes there will be disputes about who will play which role, which requires the kids to develop their problem-solving skills. For instance, if the kids are playing school, they will need to decide who plays the teacher or the student, and decide on their subject.

It aids children’s cognitive development

Studies have shown that kids who are involved in pretend play have greater levels of imagination. It is through play that children nurture their creative skills.
They learn that one thing can be a symbol for other things and are therefore inclined to use things around them to improvise and be creative. For instance, your son may use a random stick as a fishing rod.
Playing as an activity significantly improves a child’s ability to concentrate, memorize, and collaborate.
If they play a game with rules, the child will learn how to follow the rules and how to handle herself if she disagrees with them.
Through play, they also learn how to interact with each other and manage their emotions, all of which are vital social skills.

Promotes relationship building

The playing experience allows children to learn how relationships work and mold them into better social beings. The more a child is exposed to play, the more they will make quality friendships and interactions, all of which help shape their development.
Once your child has established positive friendships, regularly organize playdates for them.
It is through playing that your child learns how to be assertive and cooperative. They will also learn how to negotiate, take turns, share their stuff, and among other things.

It improves their confidence

Playtime gives your child a chance to learn what they can do on their own without your supervision.
This increases their belief in their abilities, which in turn encourages them to explore. Without confidence, your child’s ability to try new things is negatively affected.
As your child uncovers the new things they can do themselves, their confidence levels shoot through the roof. They will need that confidence as they grow into independent individuals.

Westfield Nursery is a new purpose-built Nursery located in City Walk in the heart of Dubai! Book your tour today to experience our unique approach to teaching and learning! We believe that the Nursery physical environment has a big impact on children’s learning and play. As a result, we have created and curated different learning spaces for children to explore, challenge themselves, discover, and thrive. Westfield Nursery is part of Atticus Education which operates two schools and two other Nurseries in Dubai. Book a tour today, meet our passionate team, and experience our outstanding approach to teaching and learning! We can’t wait to meet you and your little ones!