Tuesday, December 2, 2014
Does Imagination Play Affect the Ability of a Child to Self-Regulate?
In the second half of the 20th century, things started to change that have only escalated to this day. Children began having less time for free play as their schedules filled with structured activities. Even during playtime, more toys today come with a specific purpose in mind, a predetermined script that minimizes the amount of imagination play that occurs.
While many of today’s toys are incredibly useful for structuring play, keeping kids safe, teaching them certain skills and providing entertainment in a waiting room, imagination play is still critical. Without it, children tend to miss out on the chance to learn important self-regulation skills.
Children who can self-regulate have the ability to control their emotions, curb inappropriate behavior, resist impulsive actions and exert greater self-discipline.
How are imagination play and the ability to self-regulate connected? One reason is because make-believe provides an opportunity to engage in “private speech.” This is when children quietly talk to themselves about what they plan to do and how to do it. Many studies have unveiled a connection between this type of policing language and self-regulating behaviors.
For example, picture preschoolers in a free-choice period of play. Toys are strewn about once the playtime ends. Researchers have found that the children who engage in complex imagination play more often are those who take on the responsibility of cleaning up with greater willingness. They even tend to assist their friends in cleaning up without being prompted by the teacher.
It’s clear that, while developing cognitive skills in a formal learning environment is important, free play for children is absolutely not a waste of time. You can encourage imagination play and help your child learn to self-regulate with toys specifically geared toward creative play from ListenLoveLearnToys. For more information, please contact ListenLoveLearn today.
Image via Shutterstock.com
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
0 comments:
Post a Comment