cognitive development

The spontaneity of creative play lights up the brain as children interact with materials and their environment. The sense of the unknown helps children develop mental flexibility and executive function. Through play, children are developing cognitively through using and applying:

• Scientific & mathematical thinking

• Research & inquiry skills

• Independent thinking

• Critical thinking

• Problem solving skills

emotional development

Play helps children develop mindfulness as well as feel safe and secure to try new ideas and experiment. As children become engrossed in play, they suspend awareness of time and space, becoming fully present in the task at hand. Play also helps children to develop self control - a critical life skill for the 21st century.

Aspects of Emotional Development:

• Joy

• Empathy

• Resilience

• Persistence

• Self-regulation

• Self confidence

• Impulse control

• Mindfullness

communication and physical development

Play is a natural stress reliever, and an outlet that allows children to reach out to others and work on their communication skills. Play promotes healthy habits by actively engaging children with the world around them and also with other children.

Aspects of Physical Development:

• Fine & gross motor skills

• Strength & active, healthy bodies

• Stress management

• Coordination

• Balance

• Agility

• Physical confidence

Aspects of Communicative Development:

• Language Skills

• Literacy Skills

social development

Play supports children in their learning about positive relationships with others. Just as is true for building muscles; social development in young children needs its ‘muscles flexing’ and plentiful practice and exercise in order to develop through several stages. 

Aspects of Social Development:

• Cooperation

• Negotiation

• Collaboration

• Socialisation

• Rules formation

• Conflict resolution