Children at VOUCH making a puzzle together
Did YOU know that play was very important for:
- Language and Vocabulary Development
- Imagination and Creativity
- Problem Solving and Mathematics
- Gross and Fine Motor Development
To find out more, have a look at this excellent article about why play is important: Play in Preschool: Why it Matters.
The article explores many examples, and also speaks specifically to the Crayons Count learning tools we donate. Some select excerpts from the article:
Craft Supplies
Without a specific project complete, provide your child with a variety of craft supplies such as markers and crayons, scraps of fabric or paper, empty boxes or containers, glue, buttons and stickers. Allow her to create anything she likes and watch her inner artist emerge!
Blocks
Playing with blocks provides for many problem solving scenarios. How can we make it balance? How tall can we make this tower? Can we build a castle? Children also learn some basic math concepts with the various shapes and sizes of the blocks.
Puzzles
When trying to make puzzle pieces fit, children are gaining important math and problem solving experience. Learning a bit about sizes (is the piece too big for that spot?) and shapes (does the shape of the piece look the same as the hole?) You can encourage this learning by engaging in conversations as your child plays. Your child will also gain an important sense of accomplishment as her practice leads to a completed puzzle in the end.
Stringing Beads and Lacing
Giving children beads and plastic tipped laces provide a fun way to work on fine muscle control. …Lacing cards …will also provide fun “sewing” projects for young children.
Balls
Kicking balls …can help your child become more coordinated. Get outside and kick a ball around, create a goal area to make it a game.
There’s much more in the article, read it here.
