children learn through play

According to the Lev Vygotsky, his play theory emphasize on social development. When children play, they give clues to adults about their readiness to learn new skill with assistance.

According to Maria Montessori, she proposed that the children would be better off if their spent their play learning or imagining useful things.

According to Jean Piaget, he is focused on children intellectual development. He suggest that human intellect develops in stages through assimilation, or play, accommodation, or work.

While research on brain development is in its infancy, it is believed that play shapes the structural design of the brain. We know that secure attachments and stimulation are significant aspects of brain development; play provides active exploration that assists in building and strengthening brain pathways. Play creates a brain that has increased 'flexibility and improved potential for learning later in life' (Lester & Russell, 2008, p. 9).

Young children's play allows them to explore, identify, negotiate, take risks and create meaning. The intellectual and cognitive benefits of playing have been well documented. Children who engage in quality play experiences are more likely to have well-developed memory skills, language development, and are able to regulate their behaviour, leading to enhanced school adjustment and academic learning (Bodrova & Leong, 2005).

Play is essential to development because it contributes to the cognitive ,physical, social, and emotional well being of children. Play also offers an ideal opportunity for parents to engage fully with their children. Below is an article that show us the importance of play for young children.

The Importance of Play in Early Childhood Development:

http://www.suite101.com/content/the-importance-of-play-in-early-childhood-development-a225507