Play and Early Learning- Part I

Today we talk about the importance of play based discovery in early learning! Observe a young child at play, and it is almost palpable the amount of energy and inner workings behind it. A young child's brain is busy developing and myelinating- this is the process where neural pathways are strengthened with a myelin sheath to promote faster travel of neural impulses. When children play, they are learning from their environment in a way that promotes myelination. So, whatever children are exposed to repeatedly, through play or otherwise, the brain responds by building a neural pathway for quick response to that stimulus.

So- why is that important- and how can play help with this brain development? Play can especially help with the development of the cortex- that's the part of the brain that is the least developed at birth. That's also the part of the brain that helps us do things like process sensory information and language, and decide things. It's the part of the brain that helps us control our impulses. When children are at play, the cortex has a chance to myelinate- or "wire up"- pathways, within the cortex and to other important parts of the brain, that will enable them first to perform these important functions- then be able to do them more quickly and easily.

Here's how- give children the chance to play on a playground, for example, and they have many choices to make. Will they swing, climb, slide? How high will they climb, and how do they need to balance to do that safely? Will they do these things with other children at the playground? Will they share the equipment? Will they be sensitive to the other children's space and desire to use the equipment as well? Will they play pretend- pretend the play equipment is a ship for example- and ponder any problems that may occur- pirates, sharks, or crocodiles, for instance?

As a parent who was a teacher first and observed many children at play- I have to admit, sometimes when I observed children struggling to make good decisions to keep themselves or others safe on the playground, to "use their words" instead of violence to express themselves, to control the impulse to keep something to themselves rather than share it, I thought to myself, "When I have my own child, they won't be this difficult." The truth is- ALL children go through this important brain development. And yes they will make what we perceive as mistakes along the way. That's how they learn!

Here's how you can help with your child's brain development through play:
1) Provide play experiences with other children- the more chances they have to play the better!
2) Provide feedback for your child to help promote good decision making- When your child is in need of assistance- with making a safe choice, using their words, sharing- help them out. Just remember, patience and practice. That's what your child needs to develop- however frustrating their behavior can sometimes seem as a young child. Also, be mindful of what your child is capable of figuring out without assistance. Sometimes doing something "all by themselves" is what a child needs to take ownership of their new skill.
3) Play with your child- channel your inner child and rediscover the world with them anew! Have fun!

Here's some other articles you can read about play and brain development:
Scientists Say Child's Play Helps Build A Better Brain
Childhood Stimulation Key to Brain Development, Study Finds
The Cognitive Benefits of Play: Effects on the Learning Brain

Since we focused on mostly the science behind the the importance of play in early learning this time, next time I'll make some recommendations for providing varied and rich opportunities for your child to play- stay tuned!