Early childhood education is the time from a child's birth until they start kindergarten. It is a crucial period in children's lives since it marks the beginning of their socialization with peers, instructors, and parents as well as the start of the development of lifelong interests.
Early childhood education does not solely involve teaching fundamental abilities. Children gain important interpersonal and emotional skills during this period when they form relationships with their parents and their teachers. If this is done well, it will establish a good foundation for it to proceed all through the child's schooling.
Why is it important?
Most people define learning as achieving a certain new skill, such as knowing the alphabet, counting, writing, etc. They frequently believe that playing is just for fun and that no actual learning takes place. However, playing is in fact learning. Young children learn and benefit from play in terms of their cognitive, physical, social, and emotional health. They gain knowledge about the world and themselves via play. They also pick up qualities like the confidence that they will need for their future relationships, work, and study.
It encourages brain development
Brain development occurs at its fastest rate early in a child’s life. According to several studies, giving babies toys to play with on a regular basis causes them to have higher IQs by the age of three. The highest-quality, all-natural, environmentally friendly Montessori infant toys are inspired by the Montessori approach. Montessori toys are designed to keep kids interested for long periods of time while stimulating the development of their skills via play and exploration. The idea is to let kids play uninhibitedly and independently. Your children will attempt to do a variety of mini-tasks independently rather than seek your assistance. There is only room for learning and growth.
It stimulates the imagination and creative thinking
The ability of play to foster a child's imagination may be its most obvious advantage. Reflective thinking, the way of thinking that examines a wide range of potential answers and produces fresh concepts, is strongly related to creativity. Unstructured play such as free play or independent play encourages kids to create their own games. To engage in pretend play, a youngster must first envision scenarios before acting them out. These sorts of play give kids the flexibility to be creative.
It improves communication skills
Research has also shown a connection between play as a young child and communication skills as an adult. Young children can practice a new language while speaking and attempting to comprehend others during pretend play, which is especially effective. They frequently reciprocate each other's words and behaviors to get to agreements when they are playing together.
It raises social intelligence and empathy
Children's social intelligence is greatly enhanced by play. Playing actively in an unstructured way with parents, siblings, and friends is a valuable opportunity to develop social skills. Playing games where kids pretend and interact with their friends helps them develop their social abilities. Children get the chance to practice social interaction while they play.
Thus they improve their cooperation, rule-following, self-control, and ability to get along with others while playing together. Children who play more tend to be happier, more adjusted, more collaborative, and more well-liked by their classmates. More play helps kids establish empathy, which is another crucial quality that improves social skills. These kids mature into adults who are more sensitive to the thoughts and feelings of others.
It is good for mind and body health
Play helps children develop emotionally and for a youngster to be resilient and have good mental health, emotional intelligence is essential. Play that involves physical activity also fosters the development of physical fitness, strength, endurance, and gross motor abilities.
It improves interaction with peers and caregivers
Playing with their kids helps parents and kids develop closer relationships. Scavenger hunts and other easy games can help parents and kids connect in a particular way. Children's brain growth is stimulated by these encounters since they give them favorable life experiences.
Play teaches important life lessons
Children learn to solve problems through play. Children who pretend-play with life's difficulties are better at dealing with the difficulties in their own unique ways. Additionally, it gives kids a secure setting in which to practice social skills and future duties.
In conclusion
It's important to acknowledge the significant impact play has on young children's development. Programs for the early development of children must support play thus play-based preschools could offer a better educational environment. Besides, one of the most valuable things we can give to our kids is a chance to play.
