Research shows that children learn best through play. Play is incredibly important and plays a huge part in emotional and cognitive development. Play is how children learn to relate to others, problem solve, be creative, and learn to take risks. Through play children develop resilience and a strong sense of self.
Play is crucial for development and needs to be led by children, not directed by adults. When children are allowed to direct the play they are allowed to face problems and solve them on their own, this has huge cognitive benefits. Adults often intervene too early, learning is then lost.
Real play has been lost from our society and there is a strong correlation between the decline of play and the increase in anxiety and mental health issues in children and teens.
Below are some articles and videos that may explain why play is so important and how you can help us to bring it back. These are not necessarily NZ articles or videos, but currently NZ children are also headed down the play deficit path of their overseas counterparts.
Some rules from childhood - A great article about encouraging play at home
What school readiness really looks like.
The decline of play - Peter Gray (this guy is awesome and speaks such common sense.)
How we are killing creativity - what role do we play and what can be done
Join the Play Revolution - This is not a NZ video but it has a very important message.
Why Play Is Important - Ten Simple Reasons Why Play Is Important
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