Learning occurs in all areas as the child passes from childhood to adulthood. Play is the language of childhood that provides enjoyment and recreation. Much before the burden of academics is imposed on children; playful activities allow a child to explore the world around them. These activities allow parent-child bonding and involve spontaneous actions. Thus, play performs an extremely crucial role in the healthy development of a child by making them active and cognitive.
The usefulness of Play for babies and children-
Though there is no clear definition to the word ‘Play’ it can be defined as an activity that allows the child to be free and innovative. As the child develops, he or she should be encouraged to participate in activities where the child gets a scope to indulge in games. Activities that involve I.Q or mind-sharpening games help in the development of sensory, motor as well as social-emotional experiences. Montessori houses are seen emphasizing play during the formative years of a child. Regular challenging oneself through brain games helps a child to train their memory and concentration. It is through games and activities; the child learns creativity along with problem-solving skills and learns how to thwart emotional problems.
Benefits of play for both the child and the adult-
Play is often considered a contrast with the idea of work. It is considered as something insignificant that children indulge in. However, the concept of fun and games is changing and is gaining more and more importance with the passing of time. Children flourish with creative play and are very significant in the learning process. Play contents comprise of visual-timer sets, dolls, emotion cards and other brain-stimulating set-ups. These items allow the child to increase the scope of imagination and help them identify emotions and feelings.
Psychological effects of play-
In the growing phase, a child passes through various stages of development. The growing child when comes in contact with the toys learns how things work. Toys help to build up the motor senses and as a result, the child learns to cooperate with others. They learn to develop their dexterity and a child at the age of 1 or 2 learns to grab and nibble with these items of play. Not only the child but the adolescent too gains immensely from the play activities. Like the Montessori has activities developed for the growing brain similarly the schools also try to incorporate sports in their regular activities for the growing adolescent.
Why to incorporate play in classrooms?
In recent times of heavy academic burden, classrooms are losing fun and creativity. Erosion of fun activities and declined opportunities for children to stay active can have serious health effects. It is extremely necessary for adolescents and adults to take out time to play. Since students don’t have ample time to devote because of their busy schedules, schools should provide a healthy and playful atmosphere. Classrooms and school activities must incorporate occasions where learning would take place with interactive sessions.
One of the top cbse school in howrah is Sudhir Memorial Institute Liluah. It is this school that combines studies with activities. The school highly believes that only textual information is not enough for the all-around development of a child. Quality education along with co-curricular activities is what makes the school the best among the rest of the schools. The school provides a house of activities under the spectrum of in-house activities by its Panch Mukhi Siksha and hosts Sports Events as well as Annual functions periodically. It has a great infrastructure with special amenities like a Gymnasium, Swimming pool, and auditoriums for the overall development of the child. Thus, SMIL provides a platform for students to grow intellectually, morally, and physically.
