The Importance of Play

There are so many benefits to play, not just in early childhood but beyond. Although, in early childhood, it may be one of the most beneficial parts of a child's education. For a long while, there was not much research showing the benefits of play, although our friend, Fred Rogers, always knew that play was the child's work. Now numerous studies show that children need play - not just any play but uninterrupted play. That means that adults do not interject themselves into the child's play. Children need to be able to create, connect, and converse within their peer communities.

The clearest example of such research which has come to our attention is a major study undertaken in Germany comparing 100 public school classes for five year olds. Fifty of them had only play in their program and the other 50 had academics and play together. The children entered first grade when they were six, and the study surveyed their progress until they were ten. The first year there was little difference to be seen. By the time the children were ten, however, those who had been allowed to play when they were five surpassed their schoolmates in every area measured. One can imagine how startling these results were to the state educators.

Science says that children need it, so it is more essential than ever for parents to invest in their children's futures to find high-quality programs that find many ways to utilize play in their learning days.

At Rain or Shine School, we are proud supporters of play. We encourage and make time for daily uninterrupted play indoors and in nature.

Read a Waldorf Perspective of play here: Link.