(NAPSI)—Have you ever watched a child during playtime switch between
building blocks, putting together a puzzle, and talking with their stuffed
animals? Through each of these unique types of play, kids are building strong
developmental skills that will no doubt come in handy later in life.
According to experts at The Genius
of Play, a national movement to bring more play into kids’ lives,
children learn through both structured and unstructured play, with different
types of play honing various abilities and behaviors. Just as kids need to
study a variety of school subjects to stimulate distinct parts of the brain,
engaging in diverse types of play will create a more
well-rounded individual, ready to tackle life with all the skills they
have learned early on.
To ensure that your child is getting a balanced mix of play, check out
these toy examples and their developmental benefits:
• Games & Puzzles Build
Mental Agility. Brainteasers, puzzles and strategy-based games strengthen
critical thinking skills by facilitating a child’s ability to
strategize and focus. They can also sharpen their planning skills and
attention spans.
• Dolls, Action Figures and Playsets Teach Emotional Intelligence. Kids are not
yet able to express their emotions as adults would. These toys let kids show
fear, frustration, anger or aggression, among other emotions, in a situation
they can control.
• Outdoor Toys Encourage a
Physically Active Lifestyle. Active play is critical to proper physical
development. Through outdoor activities like bike and scooter riding, kids
can hone their coordination, balance, gross motor skills and even fine motor
skills.
• Arts & Crafts Nurture
Creative Thinkers. Get kids thinking outside the box with activities like
arts & crafts. Creative play provides children
the freedom to explore new possibilities while coming up with unique ideas
and solutions.
• Dress-up/Role-Playing Is a
Rehearsal for Future Star Communicators. Role-play gives children a
chance to use words they’ve heard adults and other kids use—helping
to improve their vocabulary.
More expert advice and everyday play ideas based on a child’s age or
developmental area are available at TheGeniusofPlay.org. Follow @GeniusOfPlay on Facebook and Instagram.
On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)