Learning Through Play
Children: Learning Through Play
By Helen Heard
Here is a big shocker for those of you who have kids, do not be too
worried if you have not figured this out yet. Kids love to play, in fact
the expression "stop kidding around,” means stop playing around. Do you
know what else? Kids can actually be learning things while they are
playing. Therefore, in this article I hope to give you a few examples,
of the ways children learn through play.
#1. Kids Learn From Adults
Have you ever just sat and watched your kids play? They are usually
copying what they have seen the prominent adults in their lives do. For
example, the little kids will carry purses or lunch pails, and hold
their babies, or go of to work, just like mom and dad do. They are
learning behavior patterns that they will carry into adult hood. That
can be bad in some ways too. Have you ever heard your child say a
familiar cuss word, or maybe copy grandpas smoking habit? That once
again, is something kids learn from copying adults. Therefore, while
they are playing, you might try teaching them, by asking those
questions, and guiding them to the right behaviors or habits to copy.
#2. Kids Learn from Other Kids
Along with copying mom and dad, kids also learn from other children.
They learn to socialize, get along with others, and share. Kids also
learn quickly, that each of us have different personalities, likes and
dislikes. They are learning to share their toys, let others have a turn,
and to be kind to other people. For example, if they are playing on a
playground, they will have to share the swings, slide, merry-go-round,
and such, so that each child will have a turn. Adults also need to keep
an eye on this kind of play, to make sure that kids are being nice, and
sharing. You might also need to remind them of personal boundaries, and
that picking on others, or bullying will not be tolerated.
#3. Kids Learn Life Skills
Little girls will take their baby dolls, and feed and clothe them
and little boys will build things, and play with their tools, or vice
versa, that is okay too. They are learning life skills by working with
their hands, thinking things through, and caring for others. These
skills will become more and more important as they grow up, so it will
be better if they learn it now while playing.
I hope that you enjoyed reading this article, now get off the
computer, and go play with your kids.
This article was taken from
http://www.helium.com/items/959225-children-learning-through-play
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