Play is vital in children’s lives. It is important for healthy physical, social, emotional and cognitive development. It helps children make sense of the world around them. Children are active learners. When children play, they are experimenting, observing, making mistakes and trying again, imitating, asking questions, and listening carefully. This is how they learn.

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Let’s Play Together!

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family literacy week

How do children benefit from play? • They learn about the world through exploring

colours, shapes, tastes, textures, and sounds.

• They make choices, make things happen, and solve problems.

• They learn language - the sound, meaning and uses of words.

• They learn about quantity, patterns and counting – and all these skills support early math.

• They develop eye-hand coordination and motor control.

• They develop a positive attitude to physical activity.

• They learn to act cooperatively and feel empathy.

• They are creative and use their imagination.

• They discover that learning is fun.

Why play together as a family? • Parents have the opportunity to

observe and learn about their child’s interests, preferences, strengths, and concerns.

• Play is expanded when parents provide ideas as well as materials to enhance activities.

• Parents have additional opportunities to talk to their children about things that matter to them, sharing family stories and family values.

• Parents and children share a learning experience, and have the opportunity to be excited about learning something together.

• Positive relationships and lifelong memories are created.

• It’s fun!