As a teacher, a mother and an aunt, education and the well-being of the little ones in my life is very important to me. While schooling plays a huge role in a child’s development, I believe that education truly starts at home. So, when my kid turned two I made a point of stocking up on educational toys and I started teaching her colours, shapes and numbers at every opportunity. But eventually I realised that the time I was spending with her was turning into a draining education chore and we almost stopped having fun together!
Eventually my husband was the one who told me to just sit back and relax! My young child doesn't need me to introduce education to her so formally at such a young age, she'll soon discover it for herself, she'll learn through a method she knows best...through imaginative play!
It's not to say that our kids don't need our help, we should still help them and guide them to learn but let them take a lead role in the lesson, let them ask questions, let them explore and discover for themselves - all we need to do is be available, show interest and converse with them.
Play is the starting point of where our kids learn how to communicate. Without communication, they would not be able to learn! Not only do children improve their speech through play, but they learn conversation ques too. Listening skills are developed when kids play in groups, since little ones soon realize that to have fun, they need to listen and cooperate with others.
Play assists with cognitive development. While a child’s play might often be imaginative, they are developing the parts of their brains and bodies that will help them to process and act on information and stimuli from the real world. Remember, as adults we don't just need to guide or children, we can get down on our knees and play with them too! Research shows that children whose parents played with them developed better imaginations, had better mental health and developed better social skills – so there you go!
It is through play that children learn how to build relationships and learn why these relationships are so important. Children with good social skills do far better in school than those who battle with relationships and communicating with others.
Many people don’t realize that social skills are a vital part of language development. Language is so much more than simply spoken words! - https://centerforparentingeducation.org/library-of-articles/baby-through-preschool-articles/top-3-benefits-of-learning-through-play/
To be quite frank, the points I have listed above are a few of many reasons why we should encourage our younger kids (especially toddlers and preschoolers) to simply - just play! They have years ahead of them to sit in class and attend formal lessons, by giving them the opportunity to learn through play during their early years, we are building a strong foundation in their little minds that are set for greatness.
With thanks @ mamameimei
I SUPPORT @STEEMITEDUCATION
