Importance of Play!

All too often I have had parents query how much 'proper' learning goes on at day care as opposed to 'just play'.  Many of us modern folk are very caught up in measuring achievement and planning towards future stages in life.  While all learning in a preschool environment is important children need to learn to enjoy learning, to acquire an enquiring, openminded approach which will remain with them throughout the challenges of life.  Most importantly, they need to experience and enjoy the wonderful stage that is childhood.

Play is a wonderful medium through which children can explore and learn.  A quality, challenging play based curriculum will promote children's developement in a wide range of areas.  The activities should include natural materials as well as manufactured items.   Water, sand, playdough and clay all provide children with a rich learning experience involving discovering the world through their senses.

Children are naturally motivated to play because it brings them pleasure and day care workers facilitate purposeful play so that learning opportunities are maximised.  A playful child is a happy child!

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