Play prepares children for better school learning

• Literacy activities: print rich environment, use of spoken and expressive language, writing mediums

• Numeracy activities: building, sorting and counting, comparisons, measuring, shape and patterning.

 

Play teaches new skills and builds a child's self-esteem

• Manipulative play: putting together puzzles, building with blocks, cutting and pasting or any activity that involves eye-hand co-ordination and fine motor skills.

 

Play teaches social skills that help children develop friendships

• Co-operative or social play: games & activities that involve more than one child

• Taking turns

• Sharing

 

Play develops children's creativity and problem solving skills

• Painting

• Play dough (moulding)

• Making music

• Telling storiesPlay is healthy. It promotes strength, co-ordination and brain development

 

Active play: running, jumping, climbing, riding and other use of large muscles

• Field trips

• Special day programs

• Social events