Every parent wants their children to grow up with the best physical and intellectual development possible. Part of this involves play, as this can stimulate their imagination and develop their skills. But what types of play can be the most beneficial? How can play promote intellectual development?
Why is Play So Important?
Encouraging your children to play helps them with their cognitive development. Children learn a lot through play, so allowing them time to create games and use their imagination is key.
Pre-schoolers are always trying to learn how things work, and this is often solved by play. It helps them to problem solve, create, experiment, and think about what might happen next.
What Types of Toys Help With Intellectual Development?
Most toys will give them the opportunity to play and stimulate their development. As an example, if you buy kids electric cars, then your child will not only be able to create ideas about driving, but they will also learn spatial awareness.
You may also want to buy them toys that require a problem to be solved. Something like an age-appropriate puzzle will help them to solve problems and think logically.
Playing Games With Your Children
While your child will get a lot of stimulation from playing on their own, they also need others to interact with such as their parents.
By playing with others, they learn to share and take turns. It also teaches them about winning and losing which can be invaluable as they get older.
It is a good idea to let your child lead with play so they can use their imagination to create a scenario. You can help them with any problems they have, but let them try to solve them on their own first.
Encourage Them to Describe What’s Happening
As your child is playing, try to get them to talk about what they are doing and why. It will help them to explain to you what they are thinking and how they are using their imagination.
You should also encourage them to describe what is happening outside when driving in the car or on a walk.
Something as simple as asking them to name things or what color they are can be a great way to help them develop.
Screen Time
Although many will advise limiting the amount of time spent using screens, there are many apps and TV shows that can help with your child’s development.
As with everything, if screen time is used in moderation and as a learning tool, then it can have many benefits.
It can also help children to develop IT skills that will be of use to them in the future. With technology increasing, they will need to have a basic understanding.
Final Thoughts
So, how can play promote intellectual development? It can encourage children to create their own scenarios through play and solve problems. It can also help with their ability to describe the world around them and think about what colors are associated with the things they see.
With these things in mind, it is clear to see that play should be an integral part of every childhood, allowing children to develop to their full potential.
