Whether at home or a child care center, children love to play. Yet play isn’t just about entertainment – it provides ample learning opportunities and promotes healthy child development. Here are just a few of the many ways children learn and develop through games and recreation. 

The Importance of Play for Children

Social Skills

It’s important to cultivate strong social skills in children. Having the ability to listen carefully, pick up nonverbal cues, empathize with others, and express themselves appropriately will promote lifelong success in school and the workplace. Whether they’re romping about the playground at their child care center or tossing a ball around at another child’s backyard birthday party, play helps them understand how to behave in many different contexts. While unstructured play and make-believe foster creativity and freedom, games that involve rules will help them learn about fairness, teamwork, good sportsmanship, and the importance of paying attention. 

Problem Solving Skills

Children also learn how to solve problems through play. Through cards, board games, art activities, or cooperative activities at a child care center, they must use their critical thinking skills to overcome obstacles. Kids will have to come up with strategies and solutions to achieve their goals. These abilities will help them solve math and word problems as they progress through school and beyond. 

Grow Independence 

Whether they’re playing solo or with a group of their peers, games provide a safe, low-pressure way for children to practice making decisions. When their choices are successful, they’ll feel proud and more confident. When they make mistakes, they’ll gradually learn to shake off disappointments and try again. Children also often become so absorbed in play that they forget about adults, fostering self-sufficiency. Enhance your child’s responsibility and self-determination by allowing them to choose which games to play and having them clean up after themselves.

If you’re searching for reliable child care center in Mendon, NY, turn to Mendon Child Care Center. This early learning facility provides stimulating care for kids from infancy to elementary school. Their caring staff ensures each child receives the support and individual attention they need. These professionals offer a safe environment and a schedule packed with fun educational activities, from arts and crafts to an exploration center. For more information about their school age programs, call (585) 624-2337 or visit their website.