Experts state that play, which is a very serious endeavor for children, is also a source of entertainment and learning, drawing attention to the fact that play is as important a need in a child's life as nutrition and breathing.
Experts state that children should be provided with an appropriate environment and sufficient materials for play, emphasizing that play should not be seen as an activity to keep a child busy or to get rid of them. Experts underline that playing with a child strengthens bonds and also warn that a child's play should not be suddenly interrupted, and they should be informed in advance to complete their game.
Üsküdar Üniversitesi Faculty of Health Sciences Child Development Lecturer Neşe Şekerci emphasized the importance of the child-play relationship and evaluated the effects of play on child development.
The History of Play Dates Back Centuries
Şekerci noted that various opinions have been put forward regarding what play is since ancient times, stating, “Play is an important activity that has maintained its existence in terms of education and development in every era and every place where humanity has existed. Archaeological studies have revealed that the history of play and toys is as old as human history. There are documents and findings showing that many games known today were also known in ancient times,” she said.
Play Should Not Be an Activity to Get Rid of a Child
Although play's place in the child's world is undeniably accepted, Şekerci stated that its importance in child development is sometimes underestimated by adults, saying, “From an adult's perspective, play is seen as an activity for the child to have fun, pass the time, or to get rid of them. However, play is a serious job for children. Some parents view play only as a leisure activity or are unaware of the power of this experience, which is quite valuable for children,” she added.
Play is a Serious Need
Neşe Şekerci stated that play, which is a very serious endeavor for children, is also a source of entertainment and learning, adding, “Children play games all over the world, in every era, and in every culture. Although the forms, features, and toys of games change from age to age, it is not possible for there to be no games and toys where there is a child. Play is as important a need in a child's life as nutrition and breathing,” she said.
How Do Children of Different Ages Play?
Lecturer Neşe Şekerci provided the following information regarding the development of children's play skills according to their ages:
During infancy; they are in an effort to recognize objects and their surroundings. With crawling and walking, they try to recognize everything they see around them by touching, throwing, and putting them in their mouths.
During the 1-3 age period; they start imitation games with objects they find. They imitate drinking water with a cup, or talking on the phone. In this period, they play by themselves. Even if there are other children around, they only observe them and do not try to communicate. Even if you seat them facing each other, everyone plays with what they have or wants the toy in the other child's hand.
The 3-6 age period; is also called the play period. Children gain experience with objects and their surroundings until age 3, and after age 3, they begin to create games. However, most 3-year-olds still have problems sharing toys and playing cooperatively.
During the 3-6 age period; the child asks questions, talks, and plays tirelessly all day long. As they learn social rules, they begin to create games with their friends and spend time together.
4-5 year old children; mostly prefer to play imaginary games like house and soldier, imitating characters from movies they watch. They play various construction games with wooden blocks and Legos. Sometimes they use these play materials for different purposes in the game they are playing.
5-6 year old children; playing together by creating games is observed around 5-6 years of age. 5-6 year old children are more interested in board games. They prefer cutting and pasting, drawing, writing numbers, and playing with puzzles.
Parents, Pay Attention to These Warnings
Lecturer Neşe Şekerci, who offered advice to parents regarding play and toys, listed her recommendations as follows:
• An appropriate environment and sufficient materials for play should be provided for the child. For this, a corner of the house, a room, the garden of the house, or playgrounds can be used. You can provide environments where they can play with their friends.
• A child's play should not be suddenly interrupted; they should be informed in advance to complete their game.
Don't Collect All Toys in One Box!
• Instead of filling all toys into one box, toys should be grouped according to their characteristics. The child should be asked to maintain the same order.
• Instead of buying too many similar toys, multi-purpose toys that allow the child to create different games should be preferred.
The Child Should Choose Their Own Toy
• When buying toys, the child should be allowed to choose. If for any reason the toy chosen by the child cannot be bought, the reason should be explained to the child.
• When buying toys, attention should be paid to whether they appeal to different developmental areas.
• Toys do not necessarily have to be purchased; you can make various toys with your child.
Occasionally Put Toys Away
• When your child's interest in the toys they are playing with decreases, you can put them away for a while and then bring them out again.
• When playing with your child, play games by focusing only on your child and the game you are playing.
• By playing with your child, you can find an opportunity to get closer to them and understand their feelings. Play is the most effective way to communicate with and get to know a child.
Playing with Children Strengthens Bonds
Lecturer Neşe Şekerci stated that when parents get involved in their children's games, it strengthens the relationship between them, adding the following:
• Children feel validated,
• The bond between child and adult strengthens,
• Children's attention spans increase,
• Peer interaction becomes more positive.